Megan Lea decided it was time to improve an 11’x14′ patch of ground in her backyard. And what could be better than to grab the opportunity to create a charmingly small getaway, that is also useful and comfortable, and most importantly, environmentally responsible. Continue reading →

This small outbuilding is only 40 sq. meters. It has been extended and transformed into a compact house, which currently serves as a bed and breakfast. Steel sheets were introduced to the existing structure, to create a mezzanine floor – and extended outdoors, to create a living room space enclosed in a glass box. Continue reading →

Sometimes a change in perspective makes all the difference in the world. Which was exactly what MVRDV did in designing two private houses in Borneo-Sporenburg Amsterdam – the most compact new housing district in The Netherlands.

This former harbor area, located east of the wonderful city of Amsterdam, was inspired by the city’s canal houses. The developers were looking to turn it into a kind of an old fashioned neighborhood like ‘De Jordaan’. The result was 60 terraced houses, each having its own plot, with a 6cm gap separating each unit. Continue reading →

Remember we told you about Derek Diedricksen, aka Deek – the mad scientist with too much lumber on his hands? Well, here’s another one of his tiny creations of a home. It’s called the GottaGiddaWay Micro-Hut Cabin, and it’s indeed a one-of-a-kind, micro prototype of a homeless shelter. Continue reading →

As people grow older they prefer a home that would allow for easy mobility and minimal level changes, in other words, open spaces and no stairs. This was exactly the request of a retired couple, who own this lovely house in the hills above St. Helena. Continue reading →

This small, historic barn was transformed into a ‘guy space’, and I’m sure all guys would love a place like that; a place of their own where they could gather around to watch football games, play poker, and simply have a good time. Sounds to me like this place is the modern interpretation of the Gentleman’s Club. Continue reading →

This small house is only 640 sq. ft., serving as the architect’s family retreat in Sonoma County. Nestled among vineyards, this charming cottage was inspired by Charles Keeler’s definition of California architecture as “landscape design with occasional rooms in case of rain.” – Spot on! Continue reading →

This modern prefab cabin sits in a beautiful location on Washington’s Orcas Island, a short walk from Doe Bay Resort. It serves as a small getaway home for a couple and their two young children. The challenge was to design a modest cabin in size and cost (but not in character) that will capture the spirit of its surroundings while reflecting the Japanese and Chinese heritage of the owners. Quite a task… Continue reading →

The Bluesky Home in Yucca Valley, California, is a beautiful, modern prefab. Nestled among impressive rock formations, this small, prefabricated house blends perfectly with its desert surroundings, ensuring minimal site disruption while maximizing views and retaining privacy. On top of that, it’s also adaptable, sustainable, modestly scaled, durable and economical. Continue reading →

Period style architecture is not easy to come by – either you got it or you dont. This beautiful, top floor apartment has loads of charm, big time. Built in 1898, this small 110 sq. meters home boasts lovely features, such as art nouveau ceiling centerpieces, stucco decorations, well-maintained window mirrors, high ceilings, a working tiled stove, and oak parquet floors. Continue reading →