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.
The Orford House, designed in 2022 by Thellend Fortin Architectes, is situated in Québec, Canada, next to the Parc national du Mont-Orford. This house is immersed in maple and fir forests, welcoming breathtaking views and natural light. The architectural style embodies a harmonious balance with its natural surroundings, showcasing a combination of modern and traditional elements through a dynamic interplay of vertical and horizontal lines.
Rusafova-Markulis architects designed a house titled Cabin House on a wooded suburban lot in Asheville, NC, USA. Completed in 2020, the retreat has a dark facade to help camouflage it within the forest, which the owner specifies will grow closer to the house in time. The design references traditional cabin interiors with stripped-back touches including exposed wooden frames, rough-sawn pine plywood ceilings, and warm pine floors.
The OA Apartment, designed by Maya Sheinberger in 2024, is located in Tel Aviv, Israel. This meticulously crafted apartment combines minimalist and functional design elements to create a warm, inviting space. With custom-built features, an open-concept kitchen, and smart home solutions, it’s tailored to the lifestyle of its residents.
The Tribe Hotel in Baden-Baden, Germany, was designed by Studio Aisslinger to offer a balance of comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. Completed in 2023, the hotel features rooms with contrasting materials, bold colors, and elegant furniture.
Polish design studio Noplusp has renovated the Podskale apartment in Krakow, Poland, incorporating arched openings and organic forms to create a subtle and tranquil atmosphere. Completed in 2024, the studio made the most of the existing angular lines of the space, working with the existing walls and shafts by encasing them in an organic form so that they became “the greatest asset” of the apartment.
The Maksimir House by Bosnic + Dorotic in Zagreb, Croatia, designed in 2023, embodies a concept of interconnected segments forming a cohesive whole. Starting from a half-cube, the structure evolves through strategic subtractions, balancing internal and external spaces.
The design incorporates a central “cross” layout dividing service areas and living spaces, fostering harmony between interiors and outdoor courtyards. This introspective design, marked by elements like a filigree metal balcony, transforms occupants’ perceptions, ultimately revealing a newfound understanding of spatial unity.
CS House by Walaa is located within the semi-rural surroundings of Águeda, Portugal. Designed in 2024, the home is organized around a triangular plot, maximizing light and privacy for a family. The structure features a U-shaped plan that carves out a private patio, extending to a detached pool.
