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Imagine walking through a city where the sunlight dances off the surfaces of buildings clad in gold, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of light and reflection. These gold-clad buildings serve as symbols of opulence and beacons of aspiration, merging architectural prowess with a touch of luxury. As we explore this captivating trend, we’ll uncover the stories behind these shimmering façades, the materials and technologies that make them possible. Welcome to a world where architecture glistens with golden ambition.

Studio Malka Architecture has designed a a collective housing for Egyptian students in Paris’s Cité Internationale Universitaire, enveloping the structure in gold to establish what they describe as a “new identity” for Egypt. Named La Cité d’Or, or the Golden City, the complex aims to embody Egyptian culture while reflecting the rich tapestry of its history and embracing a rich blend of both Arabic and African influences.

The genesis of the project was born from the desire to embrace the complexity of the administrative districts of Ancient Egypt inhabited by ribal groups and autonomous clans. By thinking of the project as federation of different identities, the team has created a physical and symbolic representation of the forty-two provinces of ancient Egypt. As a result, the building features forty-two megalithic prefabricated blocks representing the unique breadth of Egyptian identity.

Each monolithic block features an overhanging line that echoes the Egyptian protodoric abacus. The entrance, known as La Maison d’Égypte, showcases a monumental gate reminiscent of ancient Egyptian temples. This striking entrance is flanked by two moles—thick towers with rectangular bases, topped with a cornice and expansive lintel, capturing the essence of traditional Egyptian architecture.

Golden City is not a single building, but rather a functional superposition of territorial spaces, created with extra-large prefabricated blocks that aggregate and federate. According to the architects, it is “a representation of a new Egyptian identity in France, one at the crossroads of ancient history and modern culture, using physical, mystical, and timeless architecture.”

Commissioned by local architecture and design studio Pyxis Nautica, Budapest-based artist Dániel Szalai has wrapped four 19th-century heritage-protected palaces in the centre of the Hungarian capital in golden fabric. These historic buildings were covered not only to secure their facades until their renovations start to repurpose them to serve as offices as well as new public facilities but also to create an urban-scale artistic intervention.

By wrapping these buildings in gold, the project aims to challenge our perception of our built environment. Instead of considering them as mere scenery of their everyday routine, passers-by are invited to approach the installations, reflect upon them, and interact with them by exploring their materiality and symbolism.

While hiding the facades and creating mystery, the shiny wrapping reflects light and serves as a foggy mirror, thus making something else visible. As a material that never rusts or tarnishes, in this work, first of all, gold refers to the heritage-protected status of the palaces and their original shine and magnificence, as their renovation is set to be carried out respecting the palaces’ heritage status, aiming to conserve and restore as much of their original glory as possible.

Designed by Estonian designer ÖÖD, Golden House is the tiniest in our post and probably the most exclusive compact home in the world, boasting a breathtaking mirrored gold glass exterior that leaves a lasting impression. With an impressive price tag of $250,000, this stunning dwelling comprises a sleek rectangular shape adorned with a custom-made golden-shimmery glass finish. Additionally, the rear of the house is elegantly complemented by wooden cladding, enhancing its sophisticated aesthetic.

The interior is equally luxurious. The home measures 7.9 meters in length and 3.3 meters in width, encompassing a floor space of 26.3 square meters. Most of this area is dedicated to a spacious, light-filled multipurpose room that exudes an airy ambiance. The extensive glass façade allows natural light to flood the space throughout the day, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The house can also be updated with a full off-the-grid setup including solar panels.

High-end features enhance the experience, including oak paneling, underfloor heating, and elegant gold-accented fixtures. The multipurpose room is furnished with comfortable seating and a coffee table, while the compact kitchen, located to the right, boasts a gold-colored sink, fridge, and cabinetry. The bedroom at the far end of the seating area is complete with a double bed and a generous storage unit.