The Five Cove House by RHAD Architects is located on a Nova Scotia island, connected by a causeway. Designed in 2022, the 1,560-square-foot home, surrounded by five coves, replicates the under-stated typical seaside shed that has been split, pulled, flipped, and extended to create courtyards. The one-storey house was subdivided to present a main dwelling area with a kitchen, living, and dining space, as well as a guest suit, forming a “cottage within a cottage” for added seclusion.
Cote Architects highlights local climate-smart features throughout this concrete home in Huế, Vietnam. Designed in 2024, the PVT House comprises two stacked volumes arranged around a lush garden, easing natural lighting and ventilation. Passive cooling methods include open-air patios and a facade with adjustable glass doors, enhancing air circulation. This approach not only ensures comfort but also reduces energy use, resonating with the studio’s focus on environmentally friendly solutions.
Casa Petra is a retreat in Ceglie Messapica, Italy, designed by Alessia Angelini. It combines local architecture with contemporary design, featuring three renovated lamie and minimalist interiors. The retreat includes a raised terrace with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and Mediterranean garden, providing space for relaxation amidst a vineyard and olive grove.
NEW HOW architects designed a modern retreat in Hrubá Skála, Czech Republic, harmonizing with the Bohemian Paradise landscape. Completed in 2023, the weekend house balances traditional and contemporary elements. Set on a south-sloping plot, it mirrors the local architecture, offering panoramic views framed by the medieval Trosky castle ruins.
Atelier Hajný renovated Skylight Hut in Sázava, Czech Republic, creating an escape for a Prague-based couple. Designed in 2024, the retreat features an asymmetrical roof finished with skylights to maintain a low profile, respecting zoning regulations and neighbors’ views.
Résidence des Sables, a single-family house by Agence Spatiale, overlooks Lake Saint-Joseph in Quebec, Canada. Designed in 2022, this H-shaped dwelling integrates with its wooded surroundings, featuring generous fenestration for constant nature contact. The upper floor includes living spaces that open onto rooftop terraces, blending warm interiors with the exterior. The house aims to root itself in the site while providing diverse views and privacy for its inhabitants.
The Idea House designed by JHL Design in Lake Oswego, United States, is a family retreat with expansive windows and concrete floors, designed in 2008. Nestled in the trees of southwest Portland, the home blends modern design with natural surroundings, featuring concrete flooring and plywood walls for warmth and grounding.
Francois Hannes and Tom Kneepkens undertook a highly refined renovation project of a Dutch Villa S2, harmoniously merging retro design with modern luxury. The architects drew inspiration from ’50s and ’60s design, creating a cinematic space with a strong character. Features include Geopietra stone cladding, wenge wood, steel, and luxury marble. The design emphasizes seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and grand ambiance.
