Brazilian designer Mariana Orsi conceived the Beta House during the pandemic as a refuge that incorporates natural elements and views. Designed in 2024, the house in Ribeirao Preto offers open views of a surrounding natural reserve. Key features include living pictures of plants in every corner, solid concrete slabs, and a lush landscape.
Catchacoma Cottage is a one-storey residence designed by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design. Located in Kawartha Lakes, Canada, the cottage features three distinct volumes that harmonize with the sloping lakeside site, creating a deep connection to the landscape. Emphasizing sociability and shared experiences, the cottage includes modern design elements and sustainable features that enhance its integration into the surroundings.
The Avico Villa by Majid Roudgarpour in Chālūs, Iran, is designed to maintain a close connection between the interior spaces and the courtyard. Completed in 2024, the house features staggered rectangular volumes that emphasize the building’s relationship with its outdoor surroundings. Roudgarpour incorporated spacious terraces with views of the Alborz Mountain range, glass railings, and passive systems to enhance natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
Résidence des Sables, a single-family house by Agence Spatiale, overlooks Lake Saint-Joseph in Quebec, Canada. Designed in 2022, this H-shaped dwelling integrates with its wooded surroundings, featuring generous fenestration for constant nature contact. The upper floor includes living spaces that open onto rooftop terraces, blending warm interiors with the exterior. The house aims to root itself in the site while providing diverse views and privacy for its inhabitants.
Francois Hannes and Tom Kneepkens undertook a highly refined renovation project of a Dutch Villa S2, harmoniously merging retro design with modern luxury. The architects drew inspiration from ’50s and ’60s design, creating a cinematic space with a strong character. Features include Geopietra stone cladding, wenge wood, steel, and luxury marble. The design emphasizes seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and grand ambiance.
Designed by Ábaton, the El Escorial Renovation is a comprehensive overhaul of a 1976 house in Madrid, Spain. Situated amid the dense forest of Mount Abantos, the project focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency, utilizing modern technologies and materials. The design prioritizes the connection with the surrounding environment, incorporating large windows for natural light and integrating as much of the original structure as possible. The renovation encourages family interaction, linking indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly.
Fergus Garber Architects redesigned the Modern Maybeck house in Atherton, California, embracing early 20th-century architectural principles. The design, completed in 2022, retains a few outer walls to preserve the home’s expansive footprint and reimagines the layout. The new home, inspired by Bernard Maybeck’s iconic style, features heavy timber specially sourced and assembled on-site, aiming to blend modern refinement with a sense of familiarity and ruggedness.
The Saint-Gabriel in the Woods house is located in Saint-Gabriel, Canada. Designer Clairoux crafted the 2023 project to offer a peaceful and harmonious place where the family can thrive. The contemporary architecture is seamlessly integrated with the surrounding forest, emphasizing ecological responsibility and local sourcing. It features tailored family spaces, including a screened porch and skylit upper floor.