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.
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.
Cote Architects highlights local climate-smart features throughout this concrete home in Huế, Vietnam. Designed in 2024, the PVT House comprises two stacked volumes arranged around a lush garden, easing natural lighting and ventilation. Passive cooling methods include open-air patios and a facade with adjustable glass doors, enhancing air circulation. This approach not only ensures comfort but also reduces energy use, resonating with the studio’s focus on environmentally friendly solutions.
The Idea House designed by JHL Design in Lake Oswego, United States, is a family retreat with expansive windows and concrete floors, designed in 2008. Nestled in the trees of southwest Portland, the home blends modern design with natural surroundings, featuring concrete flooring and plywood walls for warmth and grounding.
Raumus, a renowned designer, has transformed a residential apartment in Fukuoka, Japan, into a captivating workspace with a soft and inviting atmosphere. This 2023 project, which was a conversion of a housing unit into an office space, showcases a unique approach to renovation that blends the past and the future. By covering the walls with a thin layer of fabric or translucent paint, the design team has created a space that retains the traces of time while offering a serene and harmonious work environment.
Striking a harmonious balance between the jungle, beach, and sea, Casa Ohana is a private residence designed by Vertebral in Oaxaca City, Mexico. This 810-square-meter house features nine bedrooms and 70 square meters of open terraces, seamlessly blending the indoors with the captivating natural surroundings.
Utilizing reinforced bare concrete frames and a selection of natural neutral materials, the design showcases an earthy, tropical aesthetic that complements the lush local vegetation and the crashing waves of the nearby ocean.
Borderless House, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is an innovative residence designed by Formzero for an elderly couple. Embracing tropical architecture, the house integrates traditional Chinese garden principles and features expansive outdoor spaces, promoting a deep connection with nature while maintaining privacy for its inhabitants.
Located in Matosinhos, Portugal, Casa da Fonte Velha is a contemporary family home designed by Martins Pimenta – Arquitetura e Construção. This project, completed in 2023, focuses on creating a harmonious living space that seamlessly integrates with the outdoors, providing a perfect environment for hosting friends and family.
