Nestled into the slopes of Truckee, California, Lookout House is a stunning masterpiece of modern architecture by Faulkner Architects. This unique mountain house has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the volcanic history of the region, situated at the base of a three-million-year-old volcano, and offering panoramic views of the Martis Valley.
Drawing inspiration from its surrounding landscape – ancient volcanic sediment, colossal boulders, and second-growth Jeffrey Pine and White Fir trees – this chalet seamlessly integrates with its mountainous terrain, creating a constant reference to the perpendicular horizon. Inside, the design boasts insulated concrete walls, volcanic basalt floors, and walnut detailing, presenting a tonality that allows the breathtaking exterior to take center stage. Infused with innovative sustainability features, the Lookout House illustrates a perfect fusion of design, functionality, and environmental consciousness, providing a refuge that is as beautiful as it is enduring.
Nestled in the picturesque city of Curitiba, Brazil, House AC emerges as a testament to modern, intuitive design. Designed by Nommo Arquitetos in 2019, this contemporary house ingeniously utilizes its 650.00m² (6996.54 square feet) plot, ingeniously divided into three storeys that rise and fall with the land’s 4-meter (13.12 feet) natural elevation.
Showcasing a harmonious balance between sunlight, privacy, and the terrain, House AC blends subtly into the surrounding landscape while offering innovative living spaces, exemplifying the exciting potential of contemporary architecture in a vibrant, urban setting.
Introducing Art Villas Costa Rica, a breathtaking real estate gem nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s captivating landscapes. Designed by the visionary Dagmar Stepanova from the renowned Formafatal Studio, this boutique hotel and villa complex is a harmonious blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty.
Inspired by the vibrant hues and vibrant culture of Central and South America, the architects have created an awe-inspiring haven that transports visitors to a world of tranquility and wonder.
Immerse yourself in the tranquil elegance of La Dolce Mela, a thoughtfully-designed farmhouse nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ciago, Italy. Constructed in 2019 by the talented team at Studio Raro, this property seamlessly melds contemporary design with natural elements to exude a sophisticated tranquility.
Paying homage to its idyllic locale, famed for its stunning environmental context, the property boasts sleek lines, abstract forms, and small-scale volumes using materials like fair-faced concrete and natural larch wood. The green roofing and flared edges not only soften the structure’s overall look, but also encourage a profound openness to the breathtaking Italian countryside.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Ciago, Italy, the Farmhouse by Studio Raro is a testament to contemporary elegance and environmental harmony. The project, completed in 2019, embraces the raw beauty of its surroundings, employing fair-faced concrete and natural larch wood in its design. The result is a stunning farmhouse that not only complements its natural context but also enhances it, creating a sense of openness and connection to the landscape.
The Farmhouse by Studio Raro is a masterclass in minimal impact architecture. The interventions, though abstract and essential in their design, are set in a measured way, ensuring the quality of the location is not affected. The use of green roofing and the thinning of the building’s edges through flares, further lightens the impact of the structure, offering a greater sense of openness to the breathtaking Italian landscape.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the “House of the Tall Chimneys,” a unique retreat designed by Frankiepappas, nestled in a nature conservation area in rural South Africa. This architectural marvel, built in 2020, harmoniously blends with the surrounding landscape, offering a bedroom that opens out into the treescape and a bathroom rooted in the rockscape.
The design employs a simple set of materials, including rough stock brick, sustainably-grown timbers, glass, and aluminum, creating a structure that is as sustainable as it is beautiful. The House of the Tall Chimneys is not just a retreat; it’s a fantastical immersion into the heart of nature.
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Vaucluse, France, the House of Bees stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design. This modern farmhouse, brought to life by the creative minds at Extra Medium, is a harmonious blend of the old and the new.
Once a dilapidated structure weathering away in the forest, the House of Bees has been meticulously restored to its former glory, all while embracing the charm of its rustic origins. The design pays homage to the region’s architectural history, with walls finished in local lime plaster and casework carved from regionally sourced oak. As summer arrives, the house becomes a secluded refuge, nestled in the forest yet never losing sight of the vineyard below.
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, the Cole Valley Residence is a testament to the ingenuity of Dumican Mosey Architects. This contemporary luxury house, designed in 2016, embraces the challenges of its unique location – a small, steep, and oddly-shaped lot in the Cole Valley neighborhood.
The architects’ vision transcended these obstacles, resulting in a mini-residential tower that delights with expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. The design features five floors and a rooftop deck, with living spaces situated on the upper levels to maximize the stunning vistas. Each level, including the garage, is skinned in floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a dynamic model of efficiency and transparency for vertical living.
