The Hivehaus, by UK-based architect Barry Jackson, is a spectacular twist on ordinary and even extraordinary prefabricated buildings. Hivehaus offers all of the common benefits of prefabs such as fast construction time, high energy efficiency, easy permitting if small in size, and customization to satisfy your personal wishes. Yet based on the structure of a bees nest’s honeycomb, the hexagonal shape offers infinite possibilities. And all of its perks are wrapped in a comforting nurturing volume. Continue reading →

Taking its cues from Native American pit houses, this home, by Bercy Chen Studio LP, embraces and burrows in to the earth. On a former brown field site, adjacent to the Colorado River, the house captures nature’s resources in time tested and modern ways. Continue reading →

Avid cyclists have a unique perspective on their weekend retreat’s site on the Niagara Escarpment that overlooks Georgian Bay. Their proximity to the 100 acre site through biking and observing the paths of horses and snowmobiles convinced them to straddle the landscape. Continue reading →

Designer and artist Itamar Paloge carved his own home in to a mountain side in Jerusalem. His extensive studies and experience in a variety of creative endeavors, including jewelry, sculpture, and classical drawings are evident here. For it seems that only a skilled artist can happily live without unnecessary ornamentation. Here the lack of rigid geometry along with the texture and imperfections of nature and hand craftsmanship create unparalleled warmth. Continue reading →

When you think of waterfront apartments, you may imagine high rises that steal the show from every one behind them. Or perhaps images of quaint cottages come to mind. In this former container port of Aarhus, Denmark, the Iceberg apartment complex is neither of those. Yet it gives views to every resident of its 208 apartments without compromising future buildings and views. Continue reading →

This diminutive home of just under 80 sq.m. houses a multi-generational family in modern yet ages-old Japanese clarity. A small and simple rectangular box wrapped in charred wood, is deceptive in the feeling of spaciousness that is hidden within. The entrance facades angles slightly back, to avoid crowding the street. A singular opening nearly touches the corner. It’s a covered entrance pocket with storage as well. The white coating makes it pop against the ebony siding. Continue reading →

In a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand, a family home receives a luxuriously simple addition that takes full advantage of the climate and sea views. The original home houses all of the bedrooms so the new two story extension, designed by Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects, is for living and lounging. Continue reading →

Making the most of a tiny, narrow building site in a densely populated city such as Tokyo is no easy feat. The flag pole house, a sculptural home, inside and out, is born from a spatially challenged site. Stretching out long and lean in both vertical and horizontal directions, the architects were able to maximize the compact interior space for complete and comfortable functionality. Continue reading →

The Box House is a cube of 6 meters built out of local Australian hardwood. The retreat was designed by the late Nicholas Murcutt Architect, prior to his forming Neeson Murcutt Architects Pty Ltd with his wife Rachel Neeson in 2004. On a rural site with no services, south of Sydney, the challenges of budget and location did not allow for site visits prior to design. Working only from the artist clients’ wish list, photographs, and a site survey, the cube was chosen for its capable refinement. Continue reading →

The Interchange house in Portland, Oregon, demonstrates the give and take of traditional and contemporary residential design. Instead of creating the ever so familiar front yard and back yard, the home revolves around a central courtyard. You won’t find the predictable front porch and attention grabbing front door. The two-story house is grounded by a stark white first floor. A vertical window pierces one side, opposite the metal covered entrance and door. The street facade of the second level is virtually all floor-to-ceiling glass, framed in a wide band of aluminum. Horizontal timbers wrap the corner near the entrance door. Continue reading →