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.
William Tozer Associates wrapped timber around the Rectilinear Intersect house in London, which references Gordon Matta-Clark’s Conical Intersect. A mirrored wall doubles the open-plan space, while frameless, rectangular glazing slices through the rectilinear building volumes. The wood-lined interior enhances the sense of interiority, evoking traditional salons and nooks. On the top floor, openings continue the lower floors’ exterior design strategy inside a traditional mansard building form.
Estudio Reciente has renovated the 0R23 apartment in Madrid, Spain, updating its interior by incorporating oak wood, terrazzo, and various marbles to create a tactile and tranquil atmosphere.
The design expands the visual space by connecting the living room, kitchen, and terrace, maintaining continuity through terrazzo flooring and oak wood panels. The master bedroom features Alpi Sottsas Grey laminate, while the bathrooms showcase a mix of marble, adding identity and character.
The Schnee-Eule chalet by Atelier L’Abri brings Austrian alpine architecture to the Canadian forest of Morin-Heights for a family retreat. Clad in white wood with a double-pitched roof and large overhangs, the cabin blends into the snowy landscape. Inside, large bay windows provide views of nature, while a woodstove offers a cosy atmosphere.
Located in the Cerdanya Valley in Spain, the House in Puigcerda by Dom Arquitectura utilises native stone and wood for a warm and cohesive design. The residence incorporates a neutral color palette and thoughtful contrasts, offering panoramic views with its strategically placed windows. This approach not only captures the beauty of the surroundings but also emphasises comfort and modernity within a steep topography.
In Spain’s capital, Pulso Estudio reinterpreted the classic layout of an apartment with contrasting wooden and concrete surfaces. Designed in 2024, House RM incorporates liquid and multi-purpose domestic areas with a smooth transition between.
At the entrance, the living-dining space opens to an interior courtyard, while the bedrooms are placed along the foyer. Subtle and tactile contrasts run throughout the interiors, including polished concrete, wooden finishes, glass walls and textural textiles.
House in Mundão, designed by Paulo Pereira Teixeira in 2023, is a contemporary residence in Viseu, Portugal. Characterised by a reinforced concrete structure and east-facing garden, the house connects to its landscape seamlessly. Inside, natural wood slats provide a cosy ambiance, while large glazed openings allow natural light to continuously transform the spaces. The interior layout is divided into social and private areas, with bedrooms on the first floor overlooking a pool.
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.