The remote Mountain Retreat, completed in 2021 by OPAL Architecture, overlooks a serene lake from its Canadian setting, presenting a unique architectural opportunity. A pinwheel form, highlighting a core all-wood panel, inspired the layout, designed to provide privacy and maximize surrounding site views.
Hidden within a Grade II listed arboretum in Hampshire, Woodland House by McLean Quinlan has a timber framework with expansive glazing for dappled light throughout. Designed in 2023, the private home has a rendered exterior made of recycled materials and an indoor tree. Balmy grey and oat-brown hues of crafted oak and neutral furniture add subtle texture to the informal interior, designed to “embrace” its wooded surrounding and “minimise both operational and embodied carbon emissions”.
Allegra, a house in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, showcases a design by Jaime Salvá that combines modernity and elegance across a 2,000-square-meter plot. Designed in 2024, the residence respects the natural topography and balances contemporary architecture with sustainability.
River of Life is a house designed by Sandbox Studio in Sydney in 2023. Nestled into Curl Curl, it celebrates an “open and connected modern liveability”. It balances double-pitched forms with the surrounding vernacular while presenting its own distinctive identity through material choices governed by a “sustainable spirit” and dedication to timeless design that honors the landscape.
Studio BV founder Betsy Vohs restored a mid-century house in Palm Springs, California, adding solar panels and systems to enable it to function off the grid. Designed in 2024, Vohs acquired the Casa Amigo property in the desert city’s Movie Colony neighbourhood with the intention of turning it into a personal retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Snug, designed by Via Chicago Architects + Diseñadores, sits in the Wicker Park Historic District of Chicago, Illinois. Built in 2023, this compact accessory dwelling unit is part of the city’s new ADU ordinance. A small, light-filled second-floor apartment features creative corner windows and a unique planter box.
OYO has renovated a home into the Dune House in Ghent, Belgium. Designed in 2021, the project includes a sustainable approach with a ground water heat pump and solar panels. Key features include a raised roof edge and sleek black-stained wooden planks. The half-embedded structure preserves the historical character while integrating modern comfort, providing an oasis with geothermal cooling and smart storage solutions.
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.
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