Embracing modern living harmoniously intertwined with nature, Villa A. stands as a testament to Paul de Ruiter Architects‘ commitment to sustainability and elegant design. Nestled among the dunes of Aerdenhout, Netherlands, this energy-neutral home merges effortlessly with the serene Natura2000 reserve.
With a clear focus on a family-friendly layout, the villa provides a private space for each of its inhabitants while ensuring the dwelling remains cozy and welcoming as the years go by. The unique architectural design respects the existing pine trees and the natural topography, creating a living experience that feels like an extension of the forest itself.
Immerse yourself in the vivid dreamscape of TAKO, the latest sushi restaurant and cocktail bar sensation in Rome’s edgy Ostiense district. Designed by the visionary Daniela Colli in 2023, TAKO is a tapestry of fantastical elements inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” where luck and creativity are as rich as the flavors served.
With an underground vibe, this area of Rome, once industrial, now buzzes with the energy of students and international tourists alike, all drawn to its unique culinary scene. TAKO stands out in this canvas of urban art and graffiti, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and emotions that etch an indelible mark on the hearts of its guests.
Step into a space where magenta arches, sky blues, and reflective surfaces create a harmoniously provocative experience—a poetic rebellion rooted in Rome’s subterranean heartbeat.
In the serene outskirts of Vienna, Haus Max emerges as a haven for creativity and family life. Designed by Caramel Architekten in 2023, this house-turned-retreat fuses contemporary timber construction with sustainable elements, including integrated PV panels and a heat pump for near self-sufficiency.
It showcases a unique stacking of living spaces, with an expansive artist’s studio at its core, and connects its inhabitants to nature through terraces that invite the surrounding greenery in. It’s a masterful reinterpretation of the traditional gable-roofed houses of the area, presenting a discreet street presence that unfolds into a bold, open embrace of the landscape.
Embark on a journey to Casa Soleto, where Studio Andrew Trotter and Marcelo Martínez have masterfully restored a historic mansion nestled in the village life of Salento, Puglia.
This noble residence, dating back to the 17th century, marries the allure of ancient architecture with modern-day comforts. The property invites you to immerse in an authentic Italian experience, showcasing preserved historic elements like original flooring and three-century-old doors. Casa Soleto stands as a testament to luxurious, yet genuine village living, promising a tranquil sanctuary steeped in history.
Ligar Bay Bach, a masterful creation by Young Architects, emerges from the verdant New Zealand jungle, a modernist treehouse that redefines the harmony between architecture and nature. Designed in 2022, this treehouse is not just a dwelling but a journey, with each pavilion ingeniously utilizing the steep, history-rich topography to offer breathtaking ocean vistas.
Young Architects were challenged to innovate, resulting in a structure where the raw elegance of concrete, timber, and steel doesn’t just form the building but defines its very essence. Celebrating local materials like low-carbon Golden Bay cement and plantation-grown timber, Ligar Bay Bach stands as an eco-conscious haven, minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing thermal efficiency through passive cooling and intelligent design.
In the heart of Geneva, Maison Molaire emerges as a testament to modern living, challenging conventional notions of space. Designed by Bureau in 2023, this apartment encapsulates the dynamic nature of human existence, crafting a flexible, light-filled environment.
Once a dentist’s office, the apartment now serves as a canvas for life’s unpredictable flow, with an architectural ethos that embraces change and diversity. Through the innovative use of curtains and industrial wood panels, the space deftly balances privacy and openness, fostering a living area that evolves with its inhabitants.
The Minimalist Apartment in Itaim Bibi stands as a testament to modern urban elegance, courtesy of AS Arquitetas SP. In the heart of São Paulo, this 170m² (1,830 sq ft) space, reimagined for a young couple, harmoniously blends hosting-friendly layouts with the serene companionship of their Golden Retrievers.
Seamlessly extending into nature, the design cleverly directs views to the lush treetops from the terrace. Each choice, from the demolition of walls for light-filled rooms to the refined choice of a neutral palette, converges to create a living experience that is both spacious and intimate. This apartment not only captures the essence of minimalist design but also mirrors the vibrant pulse of its dwellers.
In the tranquil pre-Pyrenees of Lladurs, Spain, lies the Puigpinós Japanese Hotel, a unique retreat where tradition meets tranquility. Designer Kaoru Fujii has masterfully transformed a masia, a classic Catalan rural homestead from 1131, blending the minimalist elegance of Japanese design with the rich cultural tapestry of Catalonia.
This architectural gem offers eight distinct rooms, each a serene haven of Japanese-inspired decor, promising a disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can indulge in the fusion of flavors at the hotel’s restaurant, where Japanese cuisine is reimagined with the finest Catalonian ingredients. Beyond its walls, the hotel emerges as a sanctuary nestled in nature, offering a suite of activities for relaxation and connection to the picturesque Solsonés region.
