Set within a lush condominium in Canela, Brazil, Altos House was designed by OSPA Arquitetura & Urbanismo as a weekend retreat. This private house boasts a bold structure of exposed concrete, offering stunning views of the Serra Gaúcha region and ensuring privacy for its inhabitants.
House with Gills is located in Bratislava, Slovakia, and designed in 2023 by BEEF architekti. Built on a comparatively intricate plot, this property is presented as a house with “gills” that shelter a central, wild, jungle-like garden. The angled exterior walls prevent views from neighbors while providing unobstructed views of the outdoor space within, and the living area features floor-to-ceiling windows for close proximity to nature.
Incorporating organic materials, the Rustic Zen apartment designed by ZERO9 in Nagpur, India, features a fresh aesthetic and hints of eclecticism. Wood, cane and stone were used to create a modern zen environment characterised by minimalism and sophistication.
Architecture studio Alexander & CO. redesigned a three-bedroom apartment in a Sydney office building as a “city sanctuary”. The apartment features handmade bespoke furniture set against walls tongue-and-groove wall panels to create a gallery-like atmosphere. Described by the designers as “a living gallery for two people who have chosen a life of quiet calm,” the flat includes several bespoke furniture, including curved concrete kitchens that were craned into the building via a window.
Casa Piva is a house in Melbourne, Australia, designed in 2023 by B.E. Architecture. The home features a kitchen-dining area that supports the family’s daily routine. Elements such as minimalistic timber joinery and secluded courtyards contribute to a sensibility reminiscent of an Italian country home from a bygone age.
The Hedges Residence, designed by B.E. Architecture, is located in Mermaid Beach, Australia. Finished in 2024, the house overlooks one of Queensland’s iconic beaches. Constructed with a minimalistic approach, it features planked concrete, oak, and rough-sawn travertine, bringing a warm, natural aesthetic to the interior and exterior.
Spanning three levels, the residence includes a yoga and gymnasium space, along with car parking and storage, creating a relaxing and calming environment distinct from typical minimalistic designs.
The 2023 PPA House in Trofa, Portugal, by N O A R Q | noarquitectos features a single-floor layout focused on sustainability. The 357.70-square-meter area incorporates a central quadrangular courtyard and is divided into three zones—social, bedroom, and parking—providing both privacy and openness. The house uses exposed concrete and plastered masonry for its structural walls, addressing economic sustainability and the life cycle of construction. A gallery shelters the courtyard, while the house’s infrastructure is hidden within plasterboard ceilings for economy and accessibility.
Mexican Brutalism Reimagined by RVO Architecture Design is a contemporary house located in Nayarit, Mexico. Designed with exposed concrete and geometric forms, it features elements like courtyards and wood to create a vibrant, functional space.