Tucked into the quiet meadows of Maasland, the Meadow House by JURY! is a remarkable reinterpretation of the traditional Dutch dike house. This renovation retains the grounded charm of the original structure while transforming it into a barn-inspired modern retreat. Clad in aged Padouk wood and stucco, the clean gabled silhouette honors rural architecture while...

Located in Brazil and designed by architects Thiago Brugnolo and Mariana Rotta of Taguá Arquitetura, AL House is a compact yet striking 3,660-square-foot residence where spatial fluidity takes center stage. The design anchors the social core at the heart of the lot, prioritizing interaction and natural light. The living room opens to the outdoor space...

From royal palaces to high-rise personal towers, the biggest houses in the world are more than homes—they’re architectural landmarks packed with luxury amenities and global prestige. Here’s a look at some of the largest and most extravagant residences ever built. The Largest Residence in the World: Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei With a total area of...

Tucked into a lush green plot near Poznań, Poland, the S House by PL.Architekci is more than just a home, it’s a quiet retreat designed to disappear into its surroundings.  The building winds gently between existing trees, thanks to its distinctive S-shaped plan, allowing the architecture to coexist with nature instead of reshaping it. The...

This 194-square-foot modular home, designed by Gabriela Casagrande Arquitetura for Nomaden, was unveiled at CASACOR Paraná 2025. It’s a compact structure with a minimal exterior, large openings, and a clean white facade, designed to sit lightly on the land. Despite its small footprint, the house includes all essential living spaces: a living area, kitchen, sleeping...

Designed by WillemsenU, this 1,829-square-foot home in the Netherlands was created as a private retreat for a couple seeking peace and seclusion after long workdays. Built into the landscape, the three-story residence is partially underground and concealed by a hill that doubles as its roof. The home is fully integrated with the surrounding meadow, with...

Built into a steep escarpment overlooking the Vistula River, the 3,330-square-foot 35:35 Slope House by 77 Studio Architecture integrates with the land in both form and function. Located in Poland, the home’s design follows the slope of the terrain, making the lower level nearly invisible from above. A sloped green roof further merges the structure...

Designed by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, this 11,450-square-foot home in Long Island features a bold, geometric design inspired by the rolling landscape of East Hampton. With its aerospace-style structure and two levels of living space, the home presents a distinctly futuristic aesthetic. The architects utilized a lightweight blend of fiberglass and foam...

Newly built homes often have construction issues, even after inspections. These can range from cosmetic imperfections to major structural defects. Identifying and fixing them before final payment or move-in is essential. Below are the most common exterior and interior problems to look for. Common Outdoor Problems 1. Grading and Drainage Water is the enemy of...

Garage doors come in several types, each with its own advantages in function, style, and space usage. Here’s a clear guide to the main options available. 1. Sectional Garage Doors The most popular type in the U.S. Sectional doors are made of multiple hinged panels that move along vertical and horizontal tracks. They offer good...

In modern residential construction, ceiling heights typically range from 2.4 m (8 ft) to 2.7 m (9 ft). Older homes vary widely: luxury and historic buildings often feature 3–4 m ceilings, while older farmhouses or worker housing may have ceilings as low as 2–2.2 m. Modern construction often follows minimum legal heights (commonly 2.4–2.5 m)...

Mortar is a mixture of cement, water, and sand (and sometimes lime), used as a binding agent for bricks, stones, and other masonry materials. Mortar has been used for thousands of years in construction, evolving from natural materials to today’s cement-based formulations. Its role is to bind and seal masonry, offering flexibility and workability essential...

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space built on the same lot as a primary single-family home. It includes a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it suitable for independent living. ADUs can be detached structures, such as backyard cottages, or attached units, like converted basements or additions to the main house....

A roofing square is a standard unit used in the roofing industry to measure roof size and estimate material needs. One roofing square covers 100 square feet, or a 10-foot by 10-foot area. How to Calculate Roofing Squares Measure Your Roof Break the roof into sections. Measure each section’s length and width in feet. Multiply...

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is a mass timber product made by gluing together layers of kiln-dried solid wood, usually spruce, pine, or fir—with each layer laid perpendicular to the one below. This cross-lamination enhances strength, stability, and load distribution in both directions. How CLT Is Made Lumber Selection: Kiln-dried, defect-free softwood (e.g., spruce, fir). Layering: 3,...

Split-level and bi-level homes are often confused due to their staggered layouts, but they differ in both structure and function. The main difference lies in the number of levels and how the interior space is arranged. While both designs aim to separate living spaces, split-level homes offer greater design flexibility. Their staggered floors can accommodate...

Porches and patios both create outdoor living spaces, but they serve different purposes and have distinct structural features. Whether you’re planning to build or simply want to identify what you have, here’s a quick guide to help you understand the difference between a porch and a patio. Porch Styling Tips: Add a classic porch swing,...