Pickering, located just east of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, has long been known for its suburban charm and proximity to the hustle and bustle of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). However, this once-quiet city has transformed in recent years, emerging as a new destination for luxury homes and upscale living.

Casa Cariño, located in Guadalajara, Mexico, is a serene sanctuary designed by Dinamita Taller. Designed in 2023, this house reflects the artistic passions of its photographer owners. Casa Cariño stands as a testament to the beauty of intentional living and storytelling.

The Villain House, designed by architect Clàudia Raurell, is situated in Barcelona, Spain. Completed in 2023, this contemporary residence stands on the northern slope of Montjuic. The design features a straw-colored exterior and a grey-hued, brutalist interior.

Its unique structure forms an integrated urban silhouette, characterized by a doubling of its street-facing facade. Innovative space allocation removes the need for doors, and a glass-enclosed patio improves climate control.

Feng House by BLA Design Group in Vancouver, Canada, seamlessly combines West Coast modern architecture with traditional Chinese design. The home features large gables, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sliding glass doors, maximizing natural light and creating interconnected spaces.

Influenced by Vancouver’s climate, it incorporates standing seam metal cladding and cedar siding. The interiors honor the family’s Asian heritage with custom artwork, slatted wood panels, and culturally elegant furnishings. Designed in 2022, the project reflects a blend of cultural influences and modern living trends.

Based in Desio, Italy, the design studio led by Veronica Mazziotti and Marco Vanucci created a film set for the balloon-like installation Ode to the Moon for the 29th edition of Miart, an international modern and contemporary art fair. Designed by Studio Paradisiartificiali for the fair’s ArtOnStage project, Ode to the Moon reflects on two sisters trying to arrange comforts for their mother who is far away. The installation is intended to symbolize the setting for “an intimate connection between two women.”

Brazilian architect Laurent Troost has completed Casa da Sombra, a house with concrete walls designed to filter sunlight in Manaus, Brazil. Created in 2023, the design caters to a resident with photophobia, with gardens integrated into the structure to provide shading.

Named “Apartment in via dell’Oriuolo“, this Florence property was redesigned by Pierattelli Architetture in 2023. The compact apartment, located in Italy, features minimalist furnishings throughout. Clean geometries, complemented by the furnishings, form a living environment that is both fluid and dynamic, strategically optimizing space without compromising on elegance.

When it comes to buying land or planning a construction project, one of the first steps is often a land survey. A land survey ensures you know the boundaries of the property, the topography, and any potential issues that could arise during construction. But how much does a land survey cost? The price can vary based on several factors, from the size of the land to its location. In this article, we’ll break down what goes into the cost of a land survey and what you can expect to pay.