Penthouses.com: The Weblog

One of the most expensive hotels is Intercontinental Tahiti Resort: The only thing that can enhance the beauty of an already-idyllic location is a resort that has a truly beautiful luxury swimming pool that compliments and pays homage to the surrounding environment.

If this part of the world could have gotten any better, it did so when the pools of this resort became an additional part of its landscape.

Italian architect David Fisher is building his first skyscraper, the Dynamic Tower, and it happens to be one of the most ambitious construction plans since the Pyramid of Khufu. Every floor of the 80-story self-powered building rotates according to voice command, and nearly the entire structure of the $700 million building is pre-fabbed.

The Dynamic Tower offers infinite design possibilities, as each floor rotates independently to create a building that constantly changes shape, resulting in a unique and ever evolving architectural structure.

The Tower is environmentally friendly and the first building designed to be self-powered, with the ability to generate its own electricity, as well as for other nearby buildings, it achieves this feat with wind turbines fitted between each rotating floor, An 80-story building will have up to 79 wind turbines, making it a true green power plant,’ Dr. Fisher stated.

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Records are set to break in Dubai after bids are received for two exclusive penthouses in the new Trump hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
Sales of the residences begin this week. Pre-sales of some properties have sold for $3,000 per square foot, with the average price per square foot selling for $2,450.

The 62-story tower made of stainless steel and glass, will be the tallest structure on Palm Jumeirah and is expected to be completed in summer 2011. The property will be comprised of two freestanding towers that straddle the center line of Palm Jumeirah, making it the gateway to the heart of the development.

Two expansive penthouses designed by Kelly Hoppen will sit atop both towers. But all the Tower’s 399 freehold residences will have the designer touches: Norman Foster bathtubs, Boffi kitchens and Gaggenau appliances. Furthermore, a “Soundcreation” package will be available with each residential purchase. This system provides owners with complete home automation, an awe-inspiring home cinema, multi-room audio, and spectacular custom lighting.  All residences will have access to the Beach Club which features multiple sports, leisure and entertainment facilities.

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That luxury penthouse in downtown San Jose may not be out of reach after all. In fact, you might be able to get one for just $150.

Developer Barry Swenson is raffling off one of his eight penthouses that sit atop the brand new City Heights condominium high-rise on Julian Street.

The lucky winner would have a choice of taking the penthouse or $1 million in cash.

The beneficiary of the proceeds will be InnVision, a San Jose-based nonprofit charity that provides emergency housing and services to the homeless.

The raffled penthouse is valued at $1.2 million (take a look at the slide show and video clip for a tour.) InnVision hopes to sell 18,000 tickets at $150 each with a goal of raising $1 million to support the organization’s services.

Aside from the grand prize there are a number of smaller prizes, including cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 and a Hawaiian vacation. An early bird drawing is scheduled for June 28 at City Heights. The final drawing for the penthouse will be held on Oct. 3 at InnVision’s gala banquet at the Santa Clara Marriott.

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Virgin Atlantic owner Sir Richard Branson purchased this previously uninhabited island between Tortola and Anegada in the ’70s. He has slowly developed several residences in addition to the main house, an airy Balinese Villa. Branson spent some $10million turning the 74-acre island into a top-notch retreat, including two private beaches and stunning views. A favourite with royalty, rock stars, and movie stars, Necker Island is the ultimate private tropical vacation getaway in the Caribbean.

On Necker you can eat whatever you like, whenever you like.  Chefs will prepare guests favourites, or wow them with their Michelin star cuisine. Every evening is an adventure as guests dine in some of the most stunning locations around the island - Beach BBQ’s on Turtle beach, Sushi in the pool or Gala evenings in The Great House.

And the cost of a trip to this exclusive island? Rates start from US $322,000 for 7 nights, there is a 5-night minimum stay and can also  be hired privately for up to 28 people for $47,000 per night.

German architects Manfred Dick (who sought a patent for his concept) and Johannes Kauka want to give drivers the opportunity to park their cars right on their appartment’s balcony.

You would literally drive your vehicle straight into a ‘vehicle elevator’ of sorts and up you & your vehicle go on to your balcony garage or ‘Carloggia’ as they are look to call it. The architects are keen to point out that safety and comfort are two of the major advantages that come with this garage concept; it’s easier to unload groceries, your car in sight & your family are better protected when entering your building. Nifty idea if you ask me.

From Land + Living