In the tranquil setting of Torres Novas, Portugal, stands the Backyard House. Designed by Miguel Marcelino in 2021, this country house emanates nostalgia, harking back to simpler times without running water or electricity.
This modern transformation of a family residence pays homage to its origins, preserving main walls and stone corners. Focused on harmonizing indoor and outdoor spaces, the house celebrates all four seasons, with the sun warming interiors in winter and lush vegetation providing shade during hotter months.
Overlooking Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Copper Harbor house stands resilient against nature’s toughest challenges. Crafted by Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects in 2022, this modern retreat marries form and function.
Beyond shielding from snow and wind, it offers mesmerizing views, whether it’s a winter storm, the shimmering Northern Lights, or the expansive lake. Every design choice, from cantilevered decks to the metal-and-glass contrast, accentuates the beauty of its surroundings.
In the picturesque town of Sorrento, Australia, the “Sorrento House” stands as a beacon of modern design, effortlessly merging Scandinavian and mid-century modern influences. Jost Architects masterfully transformed a quarter-acre block into a chic holiday retreat, potentially doubling as a future residence.
With breathtaking views from its second-story, a separate teen-friendly bungalow, a solar-heated pool, and a distinct moody ambiance using timber, stone, and glass, it’s a residence that captures Sorrento’s tranquil coastal essence while boasting impeccable design finesse.
Overlooking the UNESCO-protected Sierra de Tramuntana, The Lodge Mallorca defines luxury in the heart of Spain. Designed by the acclaimed Pilar García-Nieto in 2022, this hotel showcases an impeccable blend of Mediterranean elegance, serenity, and environmental mindfulness.
Set in a 157-hectare private nature reserve, guests are embraced by fields of lavender, almond and carob trees, and the allure of Mallorcan history. Each space within the property— from its central restaurant to the private pool suites— is a testament to authentic Mediterranean opulence, with sustainability at its core.
Hale Napo’o, a stunning beachfront retreat in Hanalei, Hawaii, epitomizes the best of contemporary design by Olson Kundig.
Set on Kauai’s picturesque north coast, this 2020 masterpiece seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, offering families the perfect blend of expansive ocean views and intimate settings. The design, influenced by Hawaii’s iconic Dickey-style hip roofs, balances modern aesthetics with a touch of local heritage, ensuring a lifestyle where bare feet and ocean breezes are daily norms.
Amidst the gently rolling hills and ancient olive trees of Carovigno, Italy, lies a retreat that seamlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary flair: A House in the Green. Imagined by the talented Luca Zanaroli in 2023, this haven stands as a testament to architecture that harmonizes with its environment.
Drawing inspiration from the shimmering southern light filtered through massive olive canopies upon the rich red Puglian soil, Zanaroli crafts a space not only for rejuvenation but also for meaningful work, encapsulating the essence of its surroundings.
Perched on the picturesque hills of Barrabisa in Palau, Italy, Casa DP_01 offers a captivating panorama of the Maddalena Archipelago and the Liscia River’s estuary. Designed by the talented Arch. Luigi Depperu, this Gallurese-Modern house stands as a testament to reimagined ’60s architecture.
Beyond its tranquil ambiance, its proximity to the Maddalena Archipelago cements its reputation as a hotspot for international watersport enthusiasts, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing aficionados.
Set amidst the enchanting landscapes of Grândola, Portugal, House in Muda emerges as a family holiday haven. Designed in 2022 by Vasco Lima Mayer, this minimalist yet traditionally influenced abode offers three distinct blocks tailored for multi-generational bonding.
Its heart, the living room, reflects true Portuguese essence with an overflow of light and space. But it’s not just the architecture that mesmerizes; the surrounding Comporta region, renowned for its magical rice fields, pine forests, and dunes, promises an unparalleled coastal retreat.
