Nestled in the captivating hills of Kerala, “Home on the Hill,” is a discreetly elegant retreat designed by the renowned Arun Nalapat Architects. Situated in Bangalore, India, a city known for its diverse culture and beautiful landscapes, this contemporary sanctuary is a prime example of seamless integration with nature. Adorned in greys and browns, the retreat effortlessly merges with its surrounding landscape, offering a tranquil refuge to its inhabitants.
Built in 2018, the retreat, boasting large glazed openings and an expansive deck, captivates with panoramic views of the lush green terrain. The modern design, blended with handpicked furniture and muted tones, exudes a simple yet luxurious elegance, truly embodying a sense of solitude.
Immerse yourself in the striking Minimod Curucaca, a modern masterpiece crafted by renowned design firm Mapa. Nestled in the heart of the Curucaca Valley in southern Brazil, this retreat is as much an ode to the breathtaking natural beauty of the region as it is a testament to cutting-edge, sustainable architecture.
Combining prefab plug-and-play logistics with Brazil’s unique CLT Wood-Technology, the Minimod offers an efficient, alternative approach to traditional construction. The result is a symbiotic co-existence between innovative design and the rugged, wild beauty of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, providing an unrivaled remote-landscape experience.
Discover the Retreat on a Pond’s Edge, a hidden gem in Maine, United States. Designed by the renowned Elliott + Elliott Architecture, this contemporary retreat is set amidst dense forest, a stone’s throw from a tranquil pond.
Offering an intimate communion with nature, the design balances secrecy with stunning views, creating a serene escape that encapsulates the charm of the Maine landscape.
Discover the sublime allure of Casa Meztitla, an exquisite weekend retreat nestled in the lush, tropical landscapes of Tepoztlán, Mexico. Immaculately designed by Edaa, this luxury residence epitomizes the intimate communion of architecture and nature. Crafted with rough stone, the house exists as a distinct yet unobtrusive entity within its environment, intimately aligned with the verdant, terraced slopes that are a testament to over 500 years of landscaping history.
Notably, the house pays homage to the ever-looming presence of El Tepozteco, an ancient rock mountain famed within the locale. Casa Meztitla‘s existence is subtly hinted at, emerging through the dense foliage with the vibrancy of bougainvillea flowers and a distinctive, monolithic white box. Revel in the hushed ambiance of this private sanctuary, which remains perennially open to the whispers of the surrounding nature, bathing in the tropical weather and intense Mexican sunlight.
Nestled into the slopes of Truckee, California, Lookout House is a stunning masterpiece of modern architecture by Faulkner Architects. This unique mountain house has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the volcanic history of the region, situated at the base of a three-million-year-old volcano, and offering panoramic views of the Martis Valley.
Drawing inspiration from its surrounding landscape – ancient volcanic sediment, colossal boulders, and second-growth Jeffrey Pine and White Fir trees – this chalet seamlessly integrates with its mountainous terrain, creating a constant reference to the perpendicular horizon. Inside, the design boasts insulated concrete walls, volcanic basalt floors, and walnut detailing, presenting a tonality that allows the breathtaking exterior to take center stage. Infused with innovative sustainability features, the Lookout House illustrates a perfect fusion of design, functionality, and environmental consciousness, providing a refuge that is as beautiful as it is enduring.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the “House of the Tall Chimneys,” a unique retreat designed by Frankiepappas, nestled in a nature conservation area in rural South Africa. This architectural marvel, built in 2020, harmoniously blends with the surrounding landscape, offering a bedroom that opens out into the treescape and a bathroom rooted in the rockscape.
The design employs a simple set of materials, including rough stock brick, sustainably-grown timbers, glass, and aluminum, creating a structure that is as sustainable as it is beautiful. The House of the Tall Chimneys is not just a retreat; it’s a fantastical immersion into the heart of nature.
Nestled in the lush forests of Seabeck, Washington, the Little House is a testament to the power of minimalist design and a deep connection with nature. This modern retreat, designed by Mwworks and Avery Cox Design, is perched on a north-facing bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Hood Canal and Dabob Bay. The 1,140 square foot (105.91 square meters) structure, built on an existing foundation, is a masterful blend of simplicity and elegance, with its stark exterior contrasting beautifully against a warm, bright interior.
The Little House is more than just a weekend house; it’s a sanctuary. Its design is intentionally restrained, with large carved openings in both the roof and walls that selectively embrace the views and natural light. The exterior is clad in taut oxidized black cedar and blackened cement infill panels, while the interior is warmed by lightly painted MDF panels and soft pine plywood. This retreat is a testament to the essence of the modern cabin—small in size but much larger than its boundaries.
Designed in 2018 by Fuertespenedo Arquitectos, the house is located in Miraflores, Muros, a small rural core of traditional character, formed by a set of stone houses and a large number of granaries that once housed, dried and treated the corn plantations.
