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...

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,...