This small cabin designed by Tomás de Iruarrizaga is located near Valdivia, Chile. It sits in the middle of the dense and humid Valdivian rainforest. The form is conceived as a compact and sharply defined volume — a prism with acute angles that contrasts strongly with its surroundings. Its interiors, made of laurel wood, are warm and tactile; everything feels like part of a built-in furnishing, much like the interiors of boats, where ribs and keels are exposed.
Villa Baltica is a complex of seven all-season vacation cottages designed by Z3Z Architekci, located in Niechorze, Poland. The 35-square-metre (377-square-foot) residences are shaped like a barn and were designed to sit privately in a dense property on the Western Pomerania region, which has views of the Baltic Sea. The wooden cottages accommodate six people and each have a dedicated garden space.
i29 designed the Senior Shelter, a 100 m² (1,076 sq ft) house, in the Netherlands. This single-level abode integrates architecture and interior design into a harmonious space for multigenerational living. This project prioritizes the human scale and comfort, creating a layout that fosters connection with the outdoors while respecting the privacy of its residents.
Loop Home, a 2022 Matt Kuo design, reimagines urban living in Taipei, Taiwan. This compact apartment combines hotel comforts with home warmth, maximizing usability with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The open floor plan and creative use of space cater to the needs of modern travelers, creating an urban sanctuary that blends style and practicality. The design deftly balances temporary convenience and lasting comfort, embodying the essence of compact living in a bustling city.
House on the Pond is a house designed by Atelier Échelle and located in Austin, Canada. The architect envisions a compact yet luxurious design. The building maximizes covered terraces, which house various outdoor spaces to accommodate different temperatures and activities.
Tiny Auro is a remarkable cabin conceived by Trawa Arquitectos, situated in Puerto Varas, Chile. Finished in 2024, this distinctive edifice encourages individuals to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with the great outdoors. Positioned between the breathtaking Calbuco volcano and the peaceful banks of Lake Llanquihue, this haven pays tribute to the allure of the Lakes Region.
Folly at Fair Hill is a house located in Norway, designed by Rever & Drage Architects in 2025. With a layout that echoes traditional follies, the building incorporates both decorative and functional spaces within its unique architecture. Elements like a dining room, a lounge under a glass roof, and a sauna with an outdoor shower are included, creating a whimsical addition that marks the transition from the bustle of the nearby settlement to the tranquility of the landscape.
Located in Santa María de la Alameda, Madrid, House in the mountain spans 1,184 sqft (110 sqm). Designed by HGSE Arquitectos with a compact design solution, it serves as a vacation home that embraces stunning mountain views through its sloped silhouette and strategic layout. The architects organized the interior spaces around a central staircase, creating an efficient layout that maximizes natural light and breathtaking sightlines across the sloping terrain.
