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.
In a mountainous region in Spain, local studio Ábaton converted a labour house into a contemporary cottage that overlooks a nearby forest. Designed in 2024, Cottage in La Vera features traditional architecture and materials but with a modern twist. Dubbed a “non-intervention” in the territory by the studio, the renovation was intended to respect the existing building, using local materials from the land and old surrounding structures.
Designed by Ábaton, the El Escorial Renovation is a comprehensive overhaul of a 1976 house in Madrid, Spain. Situated amid the dense forest of Mount Abantos, the project focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency, utilizing modern technologies and materials. The design prioritizes the connection with the surrounding environment, incorporating large windows for natural light and integrating as much of the original structure as possible. The renovation encourages family interaction, linking indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Warm Embrace is an apartment in Melbourne, Australia, designed in 2024 by the Stylesmiths. David Puckering created a vibrant, sophisticated space by eliminating neutral tones and incorporating 1970s-inspired elements. Earthy greens, brushed brass, and walnut veneers are highlighted in features such as the fireplace and the cleverly concealed butler’s pantry. The open-plan living area exudes warmth and character, echoing Alistair Knox’s architectural philosophy.
Good Project Company has meticulously rehabilitated the Westbrook Residence, originally designed by Richard Neutra in 1962, in Los Angeles. This midcentury-modern house has evolved through three generations, with contributions from Dion Neutra and John Blanton. Good Project Company‘s sensitive approach honors the heritage of the original house while accommodating contemporary needs.
Villa LO, a house in Aalter, Belgium, was designed by JUMA architects in 2024. The clients requested a charming design, resulting in a classic gable roof and traditional materials like solid oak beams and burgundy tiles. The volumes are interconnected in a minimalist way, offering a contemporary take on a classic theme. The interior features smoked oak furniture, rounded details, and Travertine floors that extend outside, creating a cohesive and inviting space.
