courtesy Frank Harmon Architect PA

Inform Magazine in Virginia has announced that the Lath House at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, designed by Frank Harmon Architect PA in Raleigh, has been awarded one of only three 2013 Inform Awards in the Object Design category.

The Lath House is an open-air structure and shade house that was conceived of as a laboratory for experimental horticultural techniques and methods.

courtesy Frank Harmon Architect PA

Because the Lath House also shelters infant plants, it was designed as an abstract of a tree spreading its branches to protect the plants. Through its screen of carefully placed wooden two-by-twos with steel support, the structure fulfills the specific light-to-shade ratio needed for the plants in the four seasons and shelters infant plants as they transition into larger gardens within the arboretum grounds.

courtesy Frank Harmon Architect PA

Inform's award jury, chaired by William Chapin, FAIA, commented:

This elegantly restrained device cleverly fulfills its specific practical mission while creating a fascinating and creative outdoor space.

Published by the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects, Inform covers Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The design awards program recognizes the work of architects, interior designers, landscape architects, furniture designers, industrial designers, students, faculty, and clients in three categories: Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, and Object Design. The latter include furniture, fixtures, building components and other items not considered "full-building design." All of this year’s winners will be posted on readinform.com soon.

courtesy Frank Harmon Architect PA

As part of NC State University's Department of Horticultural Science, the JC Raulston Arboretum is primarily a working research and teaching garden that focuses on the evaluation, selection, and display of plant material gathered from around the world.

+ About Frank Harmon Architect PA:

Frank Harmon Architect PA, an award-winning architectural firm, is nationally recognized as a leader in modern, innovative, sustainable, and regionally appropriate design. The firm is especially known for its environmental education projects. In 2012 Harmon's firm ranked 17th in Architecture magazine's Top 50 Firms in the nation. In 2010, Frank Harmon was included in Residential Architect magazine's "RA 50: The short list of architects we love."

+ All images and drawings courtesy Frank Harmon Architect PA

With the warmer weather on the way many homeowners will be looking to spruce up their rooms and instigate some DIY projects. And with now being the time for spring cleaning to refresh and revive your home and your mind, de-cluttering the bedroom is top of a lot of lists.

The bedroom design trends for 2013 suggest a whole range of themes, styles and décor will be popular this year. From a taste of Japan to texture of all kinds, modern design ideas are exciting, invigorating and, most importantly of all, they allow you to express yourself.

Embrace ethnic ideas

Eastern influences are set to be very popular this year, and for those who want a minimalist feel in their bedroom this is the perfect style. Think moving screens that can define set areas within a room and even help you hide away cluttered corners. Bold and stylish flower arrangements are another key item here.

Texture

Touchy-feely textures are taking over in 2013. Think sumptuous fabrics such as velvet, silk and fur to give a cosy look that positively screams decadence and taking some time out for yourself. Utilise a wide range of textures and incorporate them into your ornaments and knick-knacks too. Glass and metallic lamps, picture frames and bedside tables are a must-have. Suede and wood are also on trend, but wood furniture should be reclaimed or antique and as natural looking as possible, not flat-pack and too heavily treated.

Practical furniture

As our homes and lives become busier and more cluttered the move towards furniture that is both stylish and practical continues. Cluttered rooms can be draining so sort that stuff and hide it away. Storage beds from Time4Sleep are the ultimate solution, combining comfy beds with additional (and hidden) storage space.

Street art indoors

Graffiti and street art are having a huge influence on fashion on the high streets and they can also be brought indoors for a really unique and interesting look for your bedroom. For the ultimate in expressive décor get out your paintbrushes and create your very own work of art. If your creative juices are not flowing, head to the department stores for canvas prints and wallpaper instead.