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.
The Columbia River Valley Lookout is a ski cabin designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio in British Columbia, Canada. Designed in 2023, the retreat is nestled in the Kootenay mountain range, aiming to connect family members with each other and the natural landscape. The cabin features a cantilevered steel balcony, douglas fir rafters, and an industrial staircase. Its design is inspired by the surroundings, utilizing a palette of wood and concrete for both the exterior and interior.
Studio Arthur Casas designed the MW Apartment in Recife, Brazil, with high ceilings to take advantage of its ocean views. The Brazilian studio embraced the exposed beams, encasing them with wood to create a distinct separation between the social, private, and service areas. Cool, resistant materials were used for the floors to match the tropical climate, and the walls are finished with cement paint. The apartment features an impressive art collection and bespoke furniture by renowned designers.
House in the Beskids by RS+ Robert Skitek is set in the scenic landscape of the Beskid Żywiecki Mountains, Poland. Designed in 2023, this house embraces a sloped terrain and a forest setting to maximize views. The structure features alternating single-pitch roofs across three segments, each visually and functionally distinct, optimizing both mountain and forest panoramas.
Atelier Hajný renovated Skylight Hut in Sázava, Czech Republic, creating an escape for a Prague-based couple. Designed in 2024, the retreat features an asymmetrical roof finished with skylights to maintain a low profile, respecting zoning regulations and neighbors’ views.
In a mountainous region in Spain, local studio Ábaton converted a labour house into a contemporary cottage that overlooks a nearby forest. Designed in 2024, Cottage in La Vera features traditional architecture and materials but with a modern twist. Dubbed a “non-intervention” in the territory by the studio, the renovation was intended to respect the existing building, using local materials from the land and old surrounding structures.
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.
