The concept of tradition in architecture is often related to a basic character of a society still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. Preserving is always a difficult challenge for architects, especially in modern times. Difficult, but not impossible… and Summer House can prove it in a very efficient way.

This holiday cabin is positioned in Bohuslan, Sweden near the western seafront. A traditional Swedish farm house worked as the starting point to obtain a contemporary intersection between this ancient typology and the modern needs of living. Continue reading →

Are you familiar with Micro Machines? The Original Scale Miniatures (called either “Micro Machines” or simply “Micros”) were a line of toys originally made in the mid 1980’s and throughout the 90’s.

Well, at the beginning of the 21st century, a tiny house for students was created in Sweden. And Micro is definitely the right word to define this 94sq.f. home, radically organizing the minimum functional needs for a student to live in a very modest way. Continue reading →

The issues of ecologically orientated design don’t lose their actual continuity as numerous researches on climate change and energetic efficiency are on the table more than ever.

The famous company of Hanning Larsen Architects decided to join this scientific path and in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute and Buro Happold Engineers, designed the Energy Flex House complex in Taastrup, Denmark. Continue reading →

Architecture often reveals the most outstanding results when it comes to dealing with full privacy. In Hiroshima, Japan an unusual windowless metallic facade defines the boundary between the city and the domestic space. This apparently “blind” inhabitable volume is called House in Saka… and behind this small walled world, a compilation of gardens and terraces are waiting to be discovered. Continue reading →

Located on a rocky hilltop in Stockholm, Sweden, Vila Overby is a special place made to fully enhance the panoramic views across the bay and the evening sun to the west. A curious solution was adopted in this contemporary home in order to respect the natural topography: a limestone-covered concrete plinth, which provides a continuous floor surface both in and out of the house, contributes to a spatial sense of a large platform, perfectly measured for a quiet and proper appreciation of the Swedish natural resources. Continue reading →

How would you describe your dream holiday home in a forest site? The following project may bring some clues to help you figure this out…This extraordinary weekend retreat is positioned in southern Puget Sound, along the eastern edge of the Case Inlet and was conceived as a modern comfort statement gently adorning a forested slope.

Named after its location, the Case Inlet Retreat has a total floor area of 260sq.m. full of inspirational views over the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. The single floor plan is developed with the purpose of benefit from a strong relation with the surrounding trees. How? In a very simple gesture: under a flat roof with generous deep overhangs, social spaces like the living room and kitchen open towards the landscape. Continue reading →

Sometimes architecture can reach the magical condition of blending into a specific context like a chameleon: the ability of changing color with the intention to fit perfectly in the desired environment. In Leon, Spain there’s a fine example of how to achieve such an atypical result. A country house with 310sq.m. of constructed area lives in total harmony with its rural surroundings.

In fact, a curious conceptual detail was brilliantly developed: the spatial model was inspired by the traditional Chinese architecture with three linked rooms constructing a domestic space. But what turns this residence into such a remarkable experience relies on the unusual volumetric appearance. The building seems to extend its body through the site like a lizard on a sunny day… Continue reading →

The next project, situated in Brito, Portugal, captures us with its unique combination of two materials: rusted metal and large natural stone.

The bold – ultimately red – color of the rusted metal cladding gets even more daring under the streams of the powerful Portuguese sun. The flat surface of this cladding contrasts with the volumetric and exciting texture of the stone masonry. These materials are applied in the design of this private house very generously and extensively, so that the attention is drawn only to the solid, charming surfaces of the stone and metal, as if they tried to show the majestic value of this charming home. Continue reading →

Glen Lake, in Michigan is surrounded by wooded rolling sand hills just east of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake shore. Its beauty and calm waters make it a popular lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. After this brief introduction, Glen Lake Tower is now ready to be described as one of the ultimate dream houses for nature lovers! Continue reading →

This project will take you to the Southern delight, sharing the atmosphere of relaxation and stillness with you. The house, located on the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, occupies the plot which is, due to its natural inclination, divided into 2 terraces – the lower one with a swimming pool and the upper one with the house.

The terraces are separated from each other by the absolutely marvelous wall of big-scaled grey stones. Such a wall runs throughout the project like a common thread. Its neutral color perfectly fits the active greenery of the surrounding grass, palms and bushes, and mildly emphasizes the white architecture of the house itself. The outdoor design creates the ideal scenery for experiencing the house, its volumetric architecture and tectonics. Continue reading →