Studio Arte Architecture & Design has transformed an old ruin into a unique house in Monchique, Portugal. Completed in 2024, the Quinta da Lila offers a blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort. The spacious interiors are bathed in natural light, with modern amenities integrated seamlessly into the historic architecture. The renovation incorporates eco-friendly principles, using materials like cork for insulation and refraining from standard plaster to maintain the stone walls’ breathability.
Majamaja off grid village Helsinki is a collection of housing units operating completely off-the-grid in Helsinki, Finland, designed by Pekka Littow. The prefabricated cabins were assembled in a remarkable location with no road access or ground sanitation.
Casa en la Garriga, designed by Isla Architects, is located in Algaida, Spain. This 2020 house renovation embraced contemporary details while maintaining its Mallorcan vernacular style. The project involved rethinking the pre-imposed four-volume layout, integrating the structure with its Mediterranean landscape using local materials.
Dove is a private house in Toronto designed by Agathom in 2021. The home combines concrete and wood interiors to create a series of interconnected pavilions, reminiscent of tents in a landscape. The design aims to give the owners a sense of a “cottage in the city,” emphasising warmth and family.
Singapore-based design firm ONG&ONG envisions the BECA-House, a private residence designed in 2019. Featuring rectilinear lines, this modern dwelling incorporates spacious and well-ventilated areas, enhancing its fluid design.
The house caters to multigenerational living, with thoughtfully designed interiors accommodating both communal and private spaces, such as the lush deck off the master bedroom for the grandparents and owners.
Set against the stunning scenery of Poland, the Mazurski house features contemporary design by Doomo, finalized in 2021. This architectural masterpiece beautifully merges with its natural environment, showcasing a dark wooden façade and expansive glass windows.
Komonokaen is a flower shop in Japan’s Mie Prefecture with a U-shaped facade made entirely of glass. Designed by Japanese practice Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates in 2023, the retail space includes a plant shop and a cafe organised around a courtyard garden.
Located in Singapore, Screen House by Ming Architects is a contemporary family home designed in 2023. The residence embraces nature, offering seamless indoor-outdoor spaces, perfect for gatherings. It features generously set back building footprints, oversized glass sliding doors, and lush boundary greenery.
