Located in an old part of Osaka, Japan, surrounded by traditional Japanese houses, this contemporary home aims to a different direction without disturbing the established urban order. A single story volume of 145sqm displays a distinct horizontal flow composed by a low plane roof and long vertical supporting walls. A covered parking area that precedes the entrance area of Y Residence marks the start of this unique house. Continue reading →

A double height portico and pine trees as far as the eye can see: that’s San Lorenzo House. In Quinta do Lago, Portugal there’s an exquisite example of how to play with scale and volume to achieve a monumental impression with a simple weekend house program. Continue reading →

A suburban house reveals a peculiar presence in Concepcion, Chile. Pael House demonstrates the ingenious architectonic answer to a common challenge: how to fit a big house inside a small plot. In these circumstances size does matter, so only unconventional solutions seem to resolve such a delicate situation. In this case, a two-story home of 287sqm was developed taking a fascinating approach to the common concept of detached houses. A silhouette of four pitched roofs dominates the large side of a rectangular concrete volume giving the false impression of being more than one house. Continue reading →

In Japan there’s a wonderful example that proves how nature can be a precious ally to solve an architectonic challenge like IK House. This compact two-story home was conceived taking an ancient tree as its starting point. An L-shaped plan with a total floor area of 104sqm seems to embrace this surviving fragment of nature as a sign of respect and worship. Continue reading →

In Benavente, Portugal there’s a house full of mystery and grace… A rusty concrete volume celebrates the power of introspective atmospheres in domestic architecture by exploring the concept of the patio. This two-story home of 282sqm carefully integrates interior and exterior spaces. The house is organized by a sequence of three courtyards different in scale and features, with Oak trees defining the surrounding landscape. Continue reading →

150m Weekend House might probably be the longest house of the century. Located in one of Thailand’s national parks, this enormous piece of contemporary architecture is gently hanging at the top of a hill facing the outstanding landscape. With an astonishing project area of 1592sqm, a white cube and two horizontal plates of 11m wide by 150m long compose this two-story home. Continue reading →

In Christchurch, New Zealand a meaningful number of urban infrastructures were lost in a big earthquake. The outcome to this was the Re:START village project – a unique shopping mall made out of shipping containers! 27 stores inhabit colored stacked boxes, red, yellow, green and blue are now shinning proudly in the city center of Christchurch. Continue reading →

Sometimes a house renovation is an opportunity to change the heart and soul of a home: in Saignelegier, Switzerland there’s a fine example of how to attain such a daring challenge. Maison Saignelegier is a brilliant transformation of a two-story 1970s house, where a part of the old building has been covered by an artificial grass skin – perfectly blending the house with the surrounding grassy fields. Continue reading →

A Japanese house extension was built for a family who wants to keep two generations close by. In Shizuoka, Japan there’s a small two-story building with a total floor area of 82sqm that fulfills these special requirements: a house for sheltering the sleeping and study areas of a young couple while social areas were kept in a shared logic with the existing house. Flexibility was a goal to be achieved in this singular context, so an ingenious design explored the traditional values of Japanese architecture in a more dynamic approach. Continue reading →

In California, a mixed-use building for working and living gives life to an old barn. Is there anything more inspirational? Walden Studio reveals the flexibility behind a concrete agricultural structure. The concept is quite simple and yet powerful for its capacity of wisely combining old and new structures to create a unique live/work complex. Continue reading →