The refurbishment and extension by João Tiago Aguiar, arquitectos in Lisbon, Portugal, transformed a 1960s-era property into a contemporary home while respecting its original charm. Special attention was given to the backyard with a sleek swimming pool, large French pocket windows, and the interior layout prioritizing social interaction. Noble materials enhance the sense of quality and timelessness. The design integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a perfect balance of comfort, style, and practicality.
Montreal-based practice LOCUS architecture+design has perched this contemporary home on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lac Cupidon in Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, Quebec, Canada. Named Between Lake and Forest, the 3,600-square-foot house features a dark, upper volume resting upon an exposed concrete plinth, with large window openings and two fully glazed projections that extend toward the lake and surrounding trees. The residence was conceived as a tranquil retreat for its owners, away from their busy urban lives.
Mathison Mathison Architects revamped a midcentury home on Spring Lake, Michigan, focusing on enhancing its connection to the picturesque surroundings. Designed in 2022, the Harbor Point project reconfigures interior spaces for better lake views and functionality, incorporating features like clerestory windows and an expansive deck.
The renovation emphasises natural materials, with warm wood tones, dark stone, and natural steel finishes throughout, aiming to bring more light and openness while respecting the home’s original integrity.
Leja’s House, located in Spa, Belgium, is constructed as a house designed by Crahay Jamaigne in 2020. The property embodies contemporary design, featuring a harmonious blend of natural stone and raw steel, reflected in the warm interior. Brick walls and wood-panelled ceilings work together to create an organic flow throughout the living spaces, culminating in functional terraces that expand onto the stunning garden.
The house exterior of this home in Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium, is reflected in the interior space, thanks to a carved wavy texture that Benoit Viaene brought into the design. Known for his unique hand-sculpting techniques, Viaene used the method to create light effects echoing his Floating Islands table design. The project, designed in 2024, marks the first time that the Belgium architect employed the signature method in an interior design project.
M/W House by Spacein was created on an irregularly shaped plot in Riga, Latvia. Designed in 2024, the wooden-clad home encompasses three volumes, with decomposition into smaller units designed to distance from the adjacent plots and follow the site’s boundaries.
Space&Matter created the wij_land housing in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2023. This self-build collective focuses on sustainable, community-oriented living. The design includes 26 varied homes and five communal spaces, promoting sharing, diversity, and sustainability.
Located in Palmela, Portugal, a monolithic house designed by architecture studio cimbre sits on the site of a ruined structure in Serra do Louro. The house features an abstract formal design and tangible materiality, creating a contemporary yet traditional feel. Tall boundary walls made from stones from the original building, extensive glazing, and contrasting birch wood and concrete interiors protect the house while allowing natural light inside. Intricate materials ensure durability and minimal maintenance.
