Perched on a steeply sloping site at the edge of a fjord in Saguenay, Canada, Sur Le Ruisseau house was designed by local studio Matière Première Architecture in 2019 as a retreat from everyday life. The minimalist interiors are warmed with natural materials including a full-length red oak bookshelf, which extends throughout the home and doubles as a light fixture.
The Snug, designed by Via Chicago Architects + Diseñadores, sits in the Wicker Park Historic District of Chicago, Illinois. Built in 2023, this compact accessory dwelling unit is part of the city’s new ADU ordinance. A small, light-filled second-floor apartment features creative corner windows and a unique planter box.
Brazilian designer Mariana Orsi conceived the Beta House during the pandemic as a refuge that incorporates natural elements and views. Designed in 2024, the house in Ribeirao Preto offers open views of a surrounding natural reserve. Key features include living pictures of plants in every corner, solid concrete slabs, and a lush landscape.
Lum Terra is a residential complex of 10 villas by Studio 360, situated in the community of Cholul, north of Mérida, Mexico. Designed in 2024, these homes prioritize climate adaptation with a square configuration to optimize orientation and thermal comfort. The project exemplifies a blend of architectural design and sustainability, offering significant value in a market focused on three-bedroom homes.
Settimo Boutique Apartment, designed by La Leta Architettura, is located in the heart of Palermo, Italy. This project offers an unconventional take on tourist accommodations, emphasizing exclusivity and good design. The apartment consists of three consecutive rooms, including a mansard bedroom with zenithal light.
OYO has renovated a home into the Dune House in Ghent, Belgium. Designed in 2021, the project includes a sustainable approach with a ground water heat pump and solar panels. Key features include a raised roof edge and sleek black-stained wooden planks. The half-embedded structure preserves the historical character while integrating modern comfort, providing an oasis with geothermal cooling and smart storage solutions.
Garden and Glass, a contemporary home designed on a narrow, trapezoid-shaped lot in Menlo Park, California, features two wings embracing a generous garden. The single-story pavilion hosts the master suite, while the two-story structure includes children’s rooms, a kitchen, and living spaces. Designed by Fergus Garber Architects in 2018, the property includes a built-in barbecue, bar, and bocci ball court.
The West Seattle Chalet by SHED Architecture & Design draws inspiration from the Swiss Alps for its design, targeting net-zero energy efficiency. Located in Seattle, Washington, this contemporary wooden house features large windows that frame views of the surrounding garden and Olympic mountains. Warm and minimal interiors complement the chalet’s exterior, clad entirely in wood. The design includes street-facing elements for community engagement and private living spaces at the back, offering garden views and access to outdoor areas.