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.
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.
Katherine Charlton Design has reshaped a 1997-renovated Californian Bungalow in Melbourne. Known as Kew House, the redesign prioritizes functionality and warmth for a young family. The project included reconfiguring the floor plan to accommodate a main bedroom suite and living areas, removing outdated trims, and introducing black steel-framed windows. The design focuses on enhancing usability and storage within the existing structure, creating a harmonious and welcoming interior without expanding the home’s footprint.
The Alea Resort Hideaway, located in Bad Orb, Germany, is a hotel designed by Plajer + Franz in 2024. This sophisticated piece of architecture offers an innovative experience with an underground carpark, penthouses, a rooftop pool, and a spa with a gym. The interior features high-quality furnishings, including large-format tiles, french parquet flooring, and exposed concrete ceilings, creating a refined yet youthful ambience. Penthouses boast room heights up to five metres, with interiors clad in oak wood.
Fergus Garber Architects redesigned the Modern Maybeck house in Atherton, California, embracing early 20th-century architectural principles. The design, completed in 2022, retains a few outer walls to preserve the home’s expansive footprint and reimagines the layout. The new home, inspired by Bernard Maybeck’s iconic style, features heavy timber specially sourced and assembled on-site, aiming to blend modern refinement with a sense of familiarity and ruggedness.
Symbiotic Parasite is an Ahmedabad residential extension designed by Hsc Designs. The house, crafted by Hiloni Sutaria, melds tradition with contemporary principles for a young couple. Playful and dynamic, it stands out in its gated community, intriguing wildlife and locals alike. The name reflects a structural addition and symbiotic relationship, symbolizing harmonious coexistence with the existing residence. Its design philosophy harnesses natural light to create a serene ambience with practical touches.
Alicia Luxem designed “Turenne” in 2023, at this Paris apartment, where the interiors are defined by the use of lime-plaster walls and solid wood floors. In addition to the carpentry crafted from metal and locally-sourced, natural materials, this aesthetic is complemented by a “cutting-edge” art collection. Pale, neutral tones create a “calm shell”, accented by bold-coloured furniture found within the space. Vintage pieces with their “own stories” add “a bit of variety of colours” to the design.
