Set on a narrow infill lot near Lake Huron, this cottage designed by Setless Architecture, uses a sharply pitched wood shingle roof to shape both its structure and interior. The twisting roof ridge creates dynamic rooms upstairs while maintaining a compact footprint. Large triangular windows follow the roofline, framing views of the forest and allowing...

Tucked into the coastal hillside of Separation Creek, the Olive Street Cabin by MGAO is a 90-square-meter holiday home designed with quiet precision and regional sensitivity. Inspired by 1950s and ’60s cabins, the structure opens when in use and closes securely when unoccupied—mirroring the rhythm of retreat. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling blends modern robustness with...

Designed by YH2 Architecture, this minimalist lakefront cabin in Quebec is a refined reinterpretation of the classic family cottage. Clad in white cedar, the gabled structure rests gently on the landscape, with full-height glass walls that open the interior to the serene lake view. On both long sides, tall glass panels open the interior to...

Set among lemon and olive groves in Sicily’s UNESCO-listed Val di Noto, Casa Idda by Itinera Studio Associato is a minimalist residence that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The structure is based on modular 7.5-meter-square volumes, arranged to define the master suite, living area, and guest zone while opening toward the sea-facing landscape. The outdoor...

Located into the dramatic landscape of the Lofoten Islands, Aurora Cabin is a compact wooden retreat designed to immerse its visitors in nature. The blackened timber exterior contrasts with the surrounding greenery, while inside, warm untreated wood creates a calm, minimal interior. Large windows frame views of Higravstinden and the fjord below, bringing the outside...

Cleft House, designed by TAEP/AAP in Abdullah Al-Salem, Kuwait, is a sculptural home shaped by light, voids, and environmental strategy. With its clean white exterior and dark steel fence, the design balances openness and privacy, responding to its urban setting and hot climate. Spacious living areas open toward a shaded portico and pool, blending indoor...

Located in the Czech village of Polanka, this house by Lenka Míková Architekti is instantly defined by one feature: a circular hole carved through its front gable wall. More than a design gesture, this large round opening frames views, brings light into the covered terrace, and gives the house a distinct, almost abstract character. The...

Set on a 49-acre ridgeline lot overlooking the Teton Range, the Skyview Residence is a modern legacy home that reflects both family heritage and its dramatic natural surroundings. Designed by Eric Logan, Bryan James, and Forrest Britton, with interiors by Sarah Kennedy, Cynthia Tibbitts, Erica Hawley, and Brooke Peacock, the home balances traditional materiality with...

Set against a windswept ridgeline outside Jackson, Wyoming, Elysium Fields by CLB Architects merges modern form with timeless surroundings. Designed as a multi-generational retreat, the home doubles as a living gallery—anchored by a sculptural stainless-steel piece by Jedd Novatt that informs both the spatial layout and architectural rhythm of the house. The building materials palette—sandstone,...

Designed by Tact Design Inc., this modern Toronto residence makes a powerful first impression with its sculptural corten steel facade. Located at the edge of Cedarvale Park’s ravine, the house carefully navigates the tension between urban presence and natural retreat. It’s not the first time we’ve featured a corten steel facade.  Our readers love the...

Perched on a ridgeline in Queenstown, New Zealand, Ridge House by architect Ben Hudson fuses rustic charm with crisp contemporary lines. Designed as the builder’s personal residence, the home draws inspiration from Scottish heritage and European travels, expressed in its gabled forms and textured stonework. The vaulted living space opens wide to mountain views, while...

This modern guest house by Desai Chia Architecture is designed as a minimalist weekend retreat, perched on a rocky outcrop with direct views of farmland and a reflective trout pond. The rectangular, single-story structure uses high-performance triple-glazed panels for its full-height façade, which was prefabricated off-site and installed in just two days. The home features...

Set into a grassy hill in upstate New York, the Clinton Corners Residence by Desai Chia Architecture, blends contemporary architecture with a rural sensibility. Its striking black exterior evokes the silhouette of a modern barn, while the layout steps down with the slope, using a concrete retaining wall to anchor the lower level and provide...

Designed by K-Thengono Design Studio, this four-story residence in Jakarta’s upscale Pantai Mutiara neighborhood offers a luxurious balance between privacy and openness. With an east-west orientation, the home is split into two blocks: the western volume houses the bedrooms while the eastern one hosts the living and dining areas. A central circulation space acts as...

Set on a secluded 10-acre plot in Joshua Tree, Casa Azzurra by Fieldtrip and AdM Studio offers a modern desert retreat inspired by both the California landscape and Italian coastal architecture. The blue limewash exterior, rendered in five desert-toned shades, reflects the shifting sky while anchoring the villa into the arid terrain. Organized around an...

Located in Barton Hills, Crestvale Residence by Clark | Richardson Architects was awarded a 5-Star Austin Energy Green Build rating and featured as the 2022 Green Building Case Study House. The new construction was designed with one clear goal: to create a healthy, high-performance home for a young family. The river rock walls appear throughout...

Clark Richardson Architects designed the W 50th Street Residence as a two-story masonry-clad home that makes full use of its corner lot in Austin, Texas. The standout feature of the home is its white Old Texas handmade brick façade, which creates a crisp, clean contrast against dark bronze standing seam roofing and black-trimmed Pella wood...

Set along the edge of the Los Trancos Forest in Portola Valley, Pinon Ranch by Field Architecture was designed around a clear rule: do not disturb the oak grove. The 3,838-square-foot residence, built for an empty-nester couple, includes a main house, a detached music studio, a stable, and a hay barn — all arranged carefully...

Located near Valdivia on Chile’s Pacific coast, the Calfuco Refuge is a 50 m² cabin designed by Tomás de Iruarrizaga. Built on a concrete supports, the structure rises ten meters into the treetops of the dense Valdivian rainforest, minimizing ground disturbance. The small footprint — just 4 by 7 meters — fits precisely between existing...

This black brick house from Gogstudio , near Seattle stands out with its bold masonry that blends perfectly with the dark forest around it. The textured bricks and deep mortar lines give the house a strong, grounded look that feels at home in the woods. Built on a concrete base, the home includes natural touches...

This clifftop retreat by Winter Architecture replaces a long-loved weatherboard shack with a refined yet informal beach house. Designed as three interconnected pavilions wrapped in timber, the home balances privacy with openness, forming fluid outdoor spaces that move with the sun and sea breeze. The house is deeply rooted in its coastal environment—weathered timber cladding,...

Casa da Baro, designed by Passarelli Arquitetos, is a residence that redefines balance—both in structure and in spirit. Located in a gated leisure community in Bragança Paulista, the house embraces the natural contours of the land like a set of wings gliding over the hillside. From above, the home unfolds as a clean, horizontal composition,...

Casa E+E, designed by GM Arquitecto, sits on a privileged coastal site in Spain and captures panoramic views over the Mediterranean Sea. The 283 m² residence reinterprets the original structure with a minimalist aesthetic, enhancing indoor-outdoor living through clean lines, natural ventilation, and thoughtfully framed views. A reconstructed roof and new southeast opening improve airflow,...

In a suburb of Salzburg, INNOCAD Architecture reinterprets the gabled-roof house with Casa S—a modern family residence wrapped in pre-weathered timber. Built from native spruce using cross-laminated timber, the structure rests lightly above a steel-supported base, giving the home a sculptural and elevated appearance. The facade is layered with folding perforated shutters, offering privacy and...

Perched above Nova Scotia’s Gaspereau River Valley, White Rock Cottage by Omar Gandhi Architects is a bold architectural response to its rugged, wooded setting. The 140-square-meter cabin is lifted above the sloping five-acre site on slender steel stilts, taking on the form of a corrugated Corten steel cube. Its elevated stance and muted palette blend...

Vistalcielo is a 155 m² residence in Mérida, Mexico, designed on a narrow 5×31-meter lot by Veinte Diezz Arquitectos. The existing house was structurally damaged, but instead of demolishing it, the architects retained about 70% of the original masonry. The home was reorganized into six volumes, three enclosed and three open, to create visual continuity...

Set on a historically rich site between meadow and woodland in Amagansett, the 6,300-square-foot Stony Hill Residence by Bates Masi + Architects draws from the area’s agricultural past to shape a contemporary home for a young family. Once used by Native Americans for hunting and later by settlers as grazing pastures, the land’s original layout...

Tucked into the remote hills of Chiang Mai, the Wood and Mountain Cabin by Sher Maker is a handcrafted timber retreat designed for off-grid travelers seeking immersion in nature. Collaborating with local artisans, the architecture firm drew inspiration from traditional northern Thai wooden houses, creating a humble yet expressive structure that opens toward mountain views...

Perched on the rugged edge of a forested cliff, the Orcas House by Allied8 is a bold architectural statement in minimal impact and maximal experience. The facade is clad in aging Kebony wood that seamlessly mimics the bark of the surrounding trees, visually blending the structure into its mossy, old-growth environment. Large glass openings frame...

Tucked into the woods of Suizhou, China, The Treehouse, Mask in the Forest by Moguang Studio is a 190 m² retreat raised above ground to protect ancient trees and enhance forest views. Built in 2023, the structure features charred cedar cladding and geometric forms that respond to the site’s irregular shape. Curved walls, wood finishes,...

Located in Khao Yai, Thailand, BAAN O+O sits on sloped terrain without altering the landform. The Junsekino Architect and Design elevated the structure, minimizing earthwork and using a compact footprint to reduce impact. This elevated design reinterprets the traditional “tai thun” space beneath Thai homes, creating a shaded, ventilated zone for outdoor living. The house...

Anchored into the steep slopes of Mont-Tremblant, La Flèche Residence is a 740 m² home by MU Architecture, designed around site constraints and forest preservation. The architects blasted into rock to secure a minimal footprint and repurposed the material for landscaping. Strict environmental rules shaped the design, eliminating exterior lighting and favoring concealed solutions. From...

Set into the steep slopes of Mexico City’s Lomas de Vista Hermosa, the LAI House by BROISSIN is a 923 m² residence that flows with the land. Anchored into the terrain with a cascading, multi-level layout, the home unfolds across five levels, two above and three below street level, revealing shifting views and seamless indoor-outdoor...

Tucked into the foothills of the Aravalli Range, the Container House project by RSDA transforms humble shipping containers into two inviting, light-filled homes named Champa and Chameli. Champa is formed from five 20-foot containers in a U-shaped layout, while Chameli uses two 40-foot containers arranged linearly. Both homes feature full-height glass doors, simple interiors with...

Villa M, designed by Triptyque Architecture with interiors by Philippe Starck, stands as a powerful example of how architecture can integrate nature into the urban fabric. Located in Paris’s Montparnasse district, this bold structure uses greenery not as decoration, but as a fundamental building material. Wrapped in an open steel exoskeleton, the facade supports a...

Set deep in the Austrian forest of Fontanella, the Bregenzerwald Vacation Home by Architektur-SCHWEIGHOFER replaces a 1960s container house with a carefully considered timber structure. Instead of demolishing everything, the architects reused the existing foundations, adapting the footprint to house an entire family. Built entirely from solid wood, the home combines structural and thermal efficiency...

Tucked at the edge of the Teton Village forest in Wyoming, the Caju House is a bold yet restrained response to the rugged landscape. Named after the Brazilian fruit caju, whose rich orange skin inspired the home’s weathered steel exterior, this residence was designed for a Miami-based family seeking a serene escape rooted in simplicity...

Located in the quiet village of Pähl, Germany, the House in Mitterfischen by Florian Nagler Architekten is a study in purposeful simplicity and precise material pairing. Built in 2020, this 255 m² residence focuses on clarity—both in spatial organization and construction logic. From an architect’s point of view, what stands out is the honest expression...

Designed by TRAWA Arquitectos, Tiny Auro in Puerto Varas is a striking example of space-conscious architecture set in an extraordinary location between Lake Llanquihue and the Calbuco volcano. Wrapped in black cladding and capped with a steep gabled roof, the cabin’s compact form blends with its forested backdrop while drawing in natural light through generous...

Located in the upscale community of Santa Ponça, Mallorca, the Twelve Villa blends Mediterranean character with contemporary clarity by Jaime Salva. Surrounded by lush vegetation and designed for both locals and international residents, the house sits on a generous 1,000 m² plot. From the beginning, the architectural vision focused on strong geometric lines and a...

Located in Hagenberg, Austria, House Mesh is a compact 205 m² residence designed by Caramel Architekten with a striking corrugated aluminum facade and folded green roof. The bold, reflective exterior sets a futuristic tone while offering thermal regulation and ventilation thanks to its layered construction. Afive-meter-high living space anchors the layout, connecting seamlessly to the...

As a traveler and designer, standing before this villa on Lake Como felt like stepping into a reverie. The 18th-century structure is not just beautifully preserved—it’s been reawakened. J. Mayer H. Architects didn’t just renovate a home; they reignited its soul. The octagonal form, perched directly on the water’s edge, makes you feel suspended between...

Son Llaneres is a modern holiday home in Mallorca designed by Jaime Salvá in 2023. Its standout feature is the use of local Santanyí stone, stacked in irregular shapes to create warm, textured walls that define both the exterior and interior. These walls reflect traditional Mediterranean craftsmanship while giving the home a timeless, grounded presence....

Tucked away in the Armentarola region of South Tyrol, House Conturines by Perathoner Architects is a striking update to the traditional mountain home. Replacing a 1970s structure, the new 385 m² residence reinterprets local building traditions through a modern lens, combining natural materials, sharp geometry, and warm interiors. The home is split into two volumes:...

Biosphere is a 34 m² treetop cabin designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) for the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. Suspended among the pines and wrapped in 350 wooden birdhouses, the structure aims to support declining bird populations while offering a unique guest experience. Built in collaboration with Swedish ornithologist Ulf Öhman, the cabin responds to...

This home in Sotogrande, Spain, by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos is a geometric marvel that floats above the landscape. Defined by a bold cantilevered roof and a minimal, flat structure, the design strips everything down to pure essentials—light, shade, and space. A defining move is the rooftop water plane, which cools and insulates the structure while...

Designed by Garton Group Architecture, the Indo Avellanas House in Costa Rica is a thoughtful response to its lush, tropical surroundings. The project features six villas—crafted from locally sourced teak and supported by lightweight steel frames—each immersed in dense greenery just steps from the Pacific Ocean. What stands out is the careful site planning: not...

This summer villa in Corfu merges the rugged charm of hand-shaped local stone with crisp architectural precision. The stone veneer anchors the house visually and structurally, lending a timeless, almost fortress-like presence. Yet this weight is cleverly offset by the extensive use of glass, most notably in the curved glass balustrades that line the terraces....

House São Pedro in Porto Feliz, Brazil, stands out for its clean geometry and clever use of the site’s slope. FGMF stacked two distinct volumes: a glassy, open-plan base for social areas and a wooden-clad upper block with the bedrooms.  This layout isn’t just formal, it works. The cantilever above shades the patio and pool...

Casa RWO by Gonzalo Rufin Arquitectos is a steel-and-wood cabin built along a ridge in Pupuya, Chile. Its long, horizontal form sits on exposed timber ribs that double as structure and shading. The design uses a raised walkway to connect private and shared spaces, each with separate access. The plan is compact and efficient: two...

Tucked deep into the Czech countryside, this 68 m² cabin atelier by Jan Tyrpekl redefines sustainable architecture through reuse and simplicity. Constructed almost entirely from recycled materials—larch decking, spruce cladding, borrowed windows and light fixtures—the cabin reflects a deeply personal, hands-on building process involving friends and family. The structure is composed of three volumes: a...

Set into the slopes of California’s Sonoma Hills, the Sonoma Ridge House by Holder Parlette redefines indoor-outdoor living through a bold architectural response to topography and climate. The design carefully navigates the terrain, allowing the house to step gently down the ridge, preserving mature oak trees and maximizing panoramic views across the valley. At the...

Perched gently atop timber stilts in the Austrian countryside, the Zen House by Jan Tyrpekl is a minimalist retreat that feels both weightless and deeply grounded in nature. Elevated four meters above the orchard floor, the 30 m² glass micro-home was designed for reflection, calm, and connection with the land. Surrounded by mature trees and...

Located in Portugal, M House by Silverline Architects is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that balances concrete strength with a strong connection to its surroundings. The home features a bold, floating concrete upper volume that shades the open-plan living space below, while retractable glass walls blur the boundary between interior and exterior. The...

Casa Olivos by Gonzalo Bardach Arquitectura, located on a golf course slope in Pilar, Argentina, offers a stunning architectural response to its natural setting. The most striking feature is its curved concrete roof, seamlessly merging into a green terrace, blurring the boundary between architecture and landscape. Acting as both roof and garden, this vegetated ramp...

Located on the shores of Lake Attersee, House F by bogenfeld Architektur blends simplicity and function with striking clarity. The two-story home is designed with a narrow, elongated footprint to preserve garden space while maximizing views from both floors. On the exterior, the black-stained timber cladding and pitched roof take cues from traditional boathouses nearby....

Built into a steep hillside in Christchurch, New Zealand, the Scarborough Bêton Brut House by Young Architects integrates raw concrete construction with expansive ocean views. Designed to work with challenging geotechnical conditions, the home uses exposed concrete both structurally and aesthetically, with surfaces left unpainted and sealed in a matte finish. The interior balances the...

VA House by Sebastian David Büscher rises from the hills of Weiler, Austria with a dramatic angular silhouette. Its sharply folded A-frame roof commands attention, wrapped in silver fir cladding that mimics the linear striations of the surrounding alpine terrain.  This sculptural roof isn’t just a nod to regional forms, it defines the architecture, guiding...

Perched on the steep coastline of Ligar Bay, New Zealand, the Ligar Bay Bach House by Young Architects redefines the contemporary holiday retreat. This 163 m² residence merges bold structural clarity with raw material honesty, standing confidently against a dense backdrop of native greenery while overlooking the pristine bay below. The house unfolds as a...

Located in Wanaka, New Zealand, the 90-square-meter Sugi House was designed by Condon Scott Architects for a family of five based in Singapore. Inspired by the efficiency of Japanese ski lodges, the house balances compactness with comfort, providing a functional retreat on a small footprint. The exterior features warm cedar shingles used for both cladding...

Set within a lush residential complex in Brazil, Galgo House by Tati Tavares and Alex Dalcin Arquitetura is a weekend retreat that redefines minimal living. Originally envisioned as a functional kennel, the design evolved into a serene 290-square-meter home where the owners could relax and spend time with their whippets.  Constructed with concrete, steel, and...

Canopy House, designed by Studio MK27, is elevated above the forest floor using stilts, allowing minimal disturbance to the lush Atlantic Forest in Guarujá, Brazil. The concrete prism structure blends into the dense vegetation, with a rooftop pool and open-air living space offering immersive views of the surrounding jungle and ocean. The upper level houses...

Set against the stunning natural backdrop of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the White Line House by Nravil Architects is a striking expression of modern minimalism. Raised gently on stilts to preserve the existing terrain, this 300-square-meter residence embraces simplicity without sacrificing character. From every angle, the white sculptural form presents a unique profile. Angular yet elegant, the...

i29 architects designed a compact 100 m² single-story residence on the same plot as an existing main home in Hoofddorp, the Netherlands. Meant for senior family members, the new house is both physically close to the main residence and strategically positioned to ensure privacy. The structure is covered by a pitched roof with integrated gutters...

This coastal villa by Entopos Architects is a serene holiday home that blends curved forms, natural textures, and sea views. Located near Frangokastello in Crete, the design uses soft arches, sandy plaster walls, and olive trees to echo the Mediterranean landscape. The indoor-outdoor layout flows effortlessly, with arched doors and pergolas creating shaded transitions. Inside,...

The Slot House by Katerina Valsamaki Architects is more than a residence—it’s a vision of quiet architecture that merges with the landscape. Positioned on a steep slope in Tinos, Greece, the house captures the vast Aegean panorama while sinking into the earth for shelter and privacy. Crafted from rough stone and smooth travertine-like concrete, the...

Nestled in the lush enclave of Tanarimba, Janda Baik, Malaysia, the Rainforest Residence by Choo Gim Wah Architect redefines tropical living through concrete minimalism and deep engagement with nature. Designed for an artist family, the linear structure integrates with the forested slope, using the terrain to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior. Circulation is...

Perched on a rocky outcrop in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, the Las Rocas project by architect Ignacio Urquiza and interior designer Ana Paula de Alba is a striking example of nature-led design. The small complex of four houses was laid out to preserve existing vegetation and rock formations, with each volume uniquely adapted to its...

A traditional English cottage in Hampshire received a sleek, modern update with the addition of a 70-square-meter cantilevered glass extension designed by Stephen Marshall Architects.  From the front, the ivy-covered facade maintains its classic charm, but from the back, a light-filled, open-plan living space and master bedroom reveal a striking contrast. The structure seamlessly connects...

AKASHI Residence in Pererenan, Bali, is a three-story concrete and timber home designed by Alexis Dornier. A central open void organizes the plan, brings in natural light and airflow, and contains a stainless steel slide connecting the upper floor to the pool level. The house uses exposed concrete slabs, vertical wooden elements, and full-height glass...

Ibiúna House by Brazilian architect Rodrigo Ohtake is a 180-square-meter modular residence designed as a weekend retreat outside São Paulo. Built on a 20,000-square-meter forested site, the home is composed of a series of prefabricated rectangular units manufactured by Syshaus. Strategic voids between these modules create shared open-air spaces for cooking, dining, and gathering, reinforcing...

A modern, sustainable villa by Marc Architects sits on a small island outside Amsterdam. Designed as both a full-time residence and retreat, the 300-square-meter home includes a 35-square-meter terrace and features a compact, open layout that maximizes natural light and outdoor views. The house is oriented toward the water, with the rear façade incorporating an...

A 10,000-square-foot custom barn in Manson, Washington, serves as both a functional agricultural building and a residential retreat. Designed by SkB Architects based on the client’s initial sketches, the structure includes ground-level storage for orchard equipment, a commercial kitchen, and a below-grade wine cellar. The second floor contains guest rooms and open living spaces. The...

Concrete is widely used in construction, but several alternative materials offer comparable strength, better sustainability, or unique design benefits. Below are practical substitutes, each used in real-world projects that showcase their architectural potential. Rammed Earth Rammed earth walls are dense, durable, and offer natural insulation. The Great Wall of Western Australia, designed by Luigi Rosselli...

Located in Terrebonne, Québec, this 724 m² residence by Saucier + Perrotte Architectes is designed to maximize river views while maintaining privacy from neighbors. The home features a horizontal concrete base with a cantilevered black zinc volume above, creating a clean, geometric silhouette. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall spans the rear facade, opening the interior to...

Tucked into the steep slope of a pine forest in Mexico’s Sierra de Pachuca, this bold cantilevered home balances rugged materials with a refined architectural vision. Designed by Rodrigo Saavedra, the structure projects over the terrain like a suspended volume, anchored by exposed concrete and steel. Large glass openings frame the surrounding trees, offering uninterrupted...

This mountain home, located on the western slope of Wyoming’s Teton Range, was designed by Peter Zimmerman Architects and built by Yellowstone Traditions. The architecture replicates a traditional log homesteader cabin using reclaimed materials throughout. The landscaping is low-maintenance, using native plants and natural stone. Outdoor furniture is built from rough-hewn wood to match the...

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Trancoso, Bahia, Casa Terra Sol blends contemporary Brazilian architecture with the serenity of tropical living. Designed by 73.Onze Arquitetura, this 1,094 m² villa sits on flat land embraced by native trees and opens onto a preserved green area, offering unobstructed views and natural ventilation throughout. The home’s layout follows...