The Forest Retreat, designed by Kariouk Architects in 2021, is a captivating family home nestled in the vast expanse of rural Ontario, Canada. This 100-acre property, with its diverse landscape of forests, wetlands, and meadows, provided the perfect canvas for a contemporary, yet warm and inviting, retreat. The clients, who live abroad, sought a Canadian homestead that would immerse their large, young family in the Ontario landscape they cherish.
Situated in the picturesque town of Tumbaco, Ecuador, Casa Cangahua is a captivating residential project designed by the renowned architectural firm Diez+Muller. This single-family house, completed in 2021, seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, with its concrete walls and sculpted brick volume reflecting the nearby mountain range. The design philosophy emphasizes a journey of discovery, where the house reveals itself gradually to the user, creating a sense of intrigue and wonder.
Designed by the renowned ED | DE Arquitectura, the Ylja House in Grimsnes, Iceland, offers a serene sanctuary for a Mexican-Icelandic family seeking warmth and connection with nature. This single-story residence with a mezzanine blends seamlessly into its surroundings, featuring a curated neutral palette and strategic glazing to maximize captivating views of the lake and ever-changing fields. Crafted with a deep respect for the natural environment, the house symbolizes the unity between family and nature, embodying the Icelandic word for ‘warmth’.
Situated atop Howell Mountain in Napa, California, the Howell Mountain Residence I presents a stunning blend of mountain surroundings and valley views. Designed by Holder Parlette, this 1960s house underwent a renovation that raised the roof by 5 feet and integrated a new steel window and door scheme to maximize the property’s breathtaking vistas. The incorporation of local Saint Helena cottage stone in the entry facade, landscaping, and interiors connects the modern home seamlessly to its awe-inspiring natural setting.
Designed by Jaque Studio, Casa Tropical is a captivating house located in Tulum, Mexico, that exemplifies the region’s lush, tropical beauty. Completed in 2022, the single-level residence harnesses the site’s natural features, including a central water body and towering tropical foliage, to create a harmonious indoor-outdoor living experience. Featuring a distinctive “L-shaped” layout, the house is oriented to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation, while also offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Situated in the lush Mayan jungle of Tulum, Mexico, Jungle Keva is a boutique hotel designed by Jaque Studio in 2019. This small, five-lodge property seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, preserving 70% of the existing vegetation and using local, low-maintenance materials to create a warm, rustic atmosphere. Featuring a double-height main room, mezzanine, and indoor-outdoor bathrooms, the lodges are designed to connect guests intimately with the stunning jungle landscape.
Tomohiro Hata Architect & Associates have unveiled a captivating new residential project in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The “House in Muko” blends traditional farmhouse aesthetics with modern living, creating a harmonious balance between the past and present. Situated amidst the lush farmlands and bamboo forests of Muko City, this 2023 design showcases a thoughtful approach to preserving the region’s historical architectural elements while embracing contemporary living standards.
The Garden Pavilion, designed by BYRÓ architekti in Prague, Czech Republic, is a captivating house project that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. Completed in 2023, this unique structure offers a modest yet versatile space, catering to the clients’ desire for an outdoor retreat while maintaining a connection to the surrounding mature garden.
With its folding polycarbonate panel that allows the interior to transition seamlessly to the outdoors, the Garden Pavilion creates a paraphrase of a garden loggia, drawing inspiration from the architect’s fundamental architectural vision.
