Pátio do Meco, a Setúbal home designed in 2018 by Fábio Ferreira Neves, maintains its original identity by preserving its typical Mediterranean elements. The minimal exterior is designed as different volumes positioned according to privacy needs. A verandah connects the main home, where social activities take place, with the private rooms along the perimeter. For shade, the patio, which maintains its original scale, contains Mediterranean elements, such as a well and shading reeds.
Hidden House is a partially underground dwelling in Pimperne, United Kingdom, designed by Western Design Architects in 2023. Nestled discreetly into its landscape, this house maintains distant rural views. The planners agreed to its construction only if it didn’t impact countryside views, requiring the house to be built below the boundary hedge. By leveraging the natural terrain, significant parts of the house sit below ground, with principal windows facing south to capture valley vistas.
Catchacoma Cottage is a one-storey residence designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. Located in Kawartha Lakes, Canada, the cottage features three distinct volumes that harmonize with the sloping lakeside site, creating a deep connection to the landscape. Emphasizing sociability and shared experiences, the cottage includes modern design elements and sustainable features that enhance its integration into the surroundings.
The Avico Villa by Majid Roudgarpour in Chālūs, Iran, is designed to maintain a close connection between the interior spaces and the courtyard. Completed in 2024, the house features staggered rectangular volumes that emphasize the building’s relationship with its outdoor surroundings. Roudgarpour incorporated spacious terraces with views of the Alborz Mountain range, glass railings, and passive systems to enhance natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
Rómulo Neto Arquitetos designed the Casa Cor de Sal in Aveiro, Portugal. Completed in 2022, this house reflects a fusion of marine atmosphere and functional design. The design incorporates elements like ceramics, wood, and aluminum, with a focus on maintaining a close connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. An interior patio serves as a link, enhancing natural light. The layout ensures the living area on the upper floor maximizes views of the surrounding water landscape.
Mulroy Architects has transformed a Victorian terrace in London, optimising light and space for a family that wanted to enjoy an Australian lifestyle in the UK. The studio relocated the staircase and added a diagonal extension to maximise views and natural light. Key features include large roof lights and an open-plan layout designed for entertaining. The renovation also reoriented the home to access the newly enlarged north-facing back garden.
The Columbia River Valley Lookout is a ski cabin designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio in British Columbia, Canada. Designed in 2023, the retreat is nestled in the Kootenay mountain range, aiming to connect family members with each other and the natural landscape. The cabin features a cantilevered steel balcony, douglas fir rafters, and an industrial staircase. Its design is inspired by the surroundings, utilizing a palette of wood and concrete for both the exterior and interior.
Pocket Passiv, a compact house designed by Anderson Architecture, is nestled in the inner-city suburb of Glebe, Sydney, Australia. Designed in 2023, the residence follows the Passivhaus Plus Standard. It efficiently utilises its 27-square-metre (290-square-foot) space with a split-level layout. The design features an asymmetrical pitched roof and a facade clad with timber shingles, integrating both historical and modern elements to create a net zero energy building.
