When architecture follows landscape, the result can only be excellent and unexceptionable. In Nijmegen, Netherlands there’s a house extension that respects the close relation between an ancient house and a hill. A single story addition with 49sqm establishes the missing umbilical connection involving these two distinct moments: landscape and architecture. Continue reading →

House in Keyaki is a wonderful example of how small houses can appear larger, by transforming 55sqm of constructed area into a remarkable space for living. In Tokyo, Japan a three-story building stands proudly erected in a dense residential area showing that a small-scaled volume isn’t an issue at all. In fact, the program inside this tiny house demonstrates the power of simplicity in architecture, turning the conventional definition of less into more. Continue reading →

A perforated concrete volume assumes a significant presence in Yokohama, Japan. NDA Planter is a three-story house located at the top of a hill with a total floor area of 188sqm. The abstract silhouette of this building captures all the attention for its unusual use of multi-tonal concrete facade: a rusty image for a residential program combined with plant-filled terraces. Continue reading →

Lake Lugano is a beautiful glacial lake situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Lake Lugano House is a unique two-story building with a total floor area of 350sqm located on the slope of a hill. And what a better solution than a glasshouse to take advantage of gorgeous panoramic lake views? Continue reading →

Conversion is one of the most interesting experiences in architecture. In Hampshire, England, an old stable was converted into a three-bedroom family home without losing its original appearance. Manor House Stables testifies the challenging task behind such an outstanding approach to ancient buildings. Continue reading →

A Greek philosopher once said that luxury definitely wasn’t the real thing to be accomplished on Earth, and to prove his theory, Diogene chose to live in a modest getaway home barrel… Nowadays, Diogene is the name of a modern cabin designed as a weekend home, a workplace or a retreat from the outside world. In Weil am Rhein, Germany there’s a small wooden cabin with room for just a single person – zero chance for any kind of company – this is the perfect spot for those who seek solitude and introspection. Continue reading →

An innovative Eco home prototype is waiting to be discovered in Bucharest, Romania. Soleta Zero Energy One is a multi-use building for its versatile design: a small, single-story volume with a total floor area of 48sqm can be used as a weekend cabin, an office or even as a permanent home. The form of Soleta resembles the archaic shape of nomad tents – a modern manifest of persistent values in architecture. Continue reading →

Sometimes, exceptional situations lead to outstanding results: Temporary Container Housing is one of these surprising solutions for natural disasters. This multi-story housing project provides 188 homes in Onagawa for those left homeless by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The most remarkable detail about this building lies in the use of recycled shipping containers, a mass-produced global module conceived to be transported worldwide by trains, ships and trucks. Continue reading →

An audacious concept transforms an ancient building into a fine example of modern architecture without losing its primary character… The Pool Shophouse conceals a mysterious journey through a series of old and new spaces that melt into a single spatial volume. This four-story building in Singapore has a total floor area of 367sqm and is placed between two existing houses with a prominent difference of height: in fact, the Pool Shophouse benefits from having the front and rear facade connected to two different realities: the back elevation demonstrates a contemporary aesthetics while the front elevation fully respects the ancient design of the existing house. Oh, and did I mention the amazing inner pool? Continue reading →

In Texas, a small guest house features a unique mixture of steel and wood combined with low energy off-the-grid elements. This Eco-friendly weekend cabin is located on the outskirts of a dense forest near Lake Buchanan, firmly attached to its natural environment. Predominantly oriented to the south, the cabin’s galvanized metal exterior is punctuated by storefront windows that frame outstanding views to the south, east and west. Continue reading →