Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, the Cole Valley Residence is a testament to the ingenuity of Dumican Mosey Architects. This contemporary luxury house, designed in 2016, embraces the challenges of its unique location – a small, steep, and oddly-shaped lot in the Cole Valley neighborhood.
The architects’ vision transcended these obstacles, resulting in a mini-residential tower that delights with expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The design features five floors and a rooftop deck, with living spaces situated on the upper levels to maximize the stunning vistas. Each level, including the garage, is skinned in floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a dynamic model of efficiency and transparency for vertical living.
Step into the world of contemporary design with the Henry House by Wala, a remarkable townhouse nestled in the heart of East Melbourne, Australia. This heritage dwelling, known for its immaculate 19th-century terrace house aesthetic, has been thoughtfully renovated to embrace the modern era while preserving its original charm.
The house now boasts a light-filled rear extension, designed to create a fluid passage of travel through the main spine of the building. This extension, featuring an open plan arrangement, is framed by a large window and daybed that extend the line of sight into the raised garden, drawing in as much northerly light as possible. The use of natural materials such as timber, concrete, and steel, framed by simple geometries, provides a logical counterpoint to the ornamental and decorative nature of the old house.
Nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the BM House is a testament to the innovative prowess of Studio ro+ca. This single-family residence, designed in 2019, is a perfect blend of contemporary and mid-century styles.
The house, set against the backdrop of Rio’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, is a true architectural delight.
Nestled in the lush forests of Seabeck, Washington, the Little House is a testament to the power of minimalist design and a deep connection with nature. This modern retreat, designed by Mwworks and Avery Cox Design, is perched on a north-facing bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Hood Canal and Dabob Bay. The 1,140 square foot (105.91 square meters) structure, built on an existing foundation, is a masterful blend of simplicity and elegance, with its stark exterior contrasting beautifully against a warm, bright interior.
The Little House is more than just a weekend house; it’s a sanctuary. Its design is intentionally restrained, with large carved openings in both the roof and walls that selectively embrace the views and natural light. The exterior is clad in taut oxidized black cedar and blackened cement infill panels, while the interior is warmed by lightly painted MDF panels and soft pine plywood. This retreat is a testament to the essence of the modern cabin—small in size but much larger than its boundaries.
Nestled between the azure sea and the agave fields of Oaxaca, Mexico, lies Casa Zicatela, a modern concrete marvel designed by Ludwig Godefroy Architecture. This unique weekend house, situated on the picturesque Zicatela beach, next to Puerto Escondido, is a testament to the duality of its surroundings. With the beach and sea on one side and the mountains on the other, Casa Zicatela is a countryside house with a twist.
Built on a compact 300 m2 plot (approximately 3229.17 square feet), the house employs defensive architecture to create an open-sky fortress, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Its design is reminiscent of the massive concrete structures in Normandy, where the designer was born, and the Mexican pyramids that dot the landscape of his adopted home.
Casa Mérida is a single family house project located in the historic center of Mérida, a few blocks away from its main central square, in its colonial area. Mérida is the capital of Yucatán, but also the capital of the Mayan culture, Yucatán representing a large part of the mexican mayan territory.
