A Surprising Concrete Column Keeps This Backyard House Open and Airy

The "Bare House," a 2,152-square-foot residence located in Herzlia, a city north of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Coast, exemplifies innovative indoor-outdoor living. Designed by architects Tamar Jacobs and Oshri Yaniv, founders of Jacob-Yaniv Architects, for their own family, the house prioritizes open space and fluidity, aiming to integrate the surrounding fruit trees into the living experience. Unlike traditional designs that rely on large glass windows for seamless transitions, this home features a distinctive architectural approach where the roof is lifted off the walls, creating an opening along the perimeter. This design choice establishes a continuous connection between the interior and exterior environments, allowing the inhabitants to enjoy glimpses of the outside and benefit from natural light and breezes. The architects' primary inspiration stemmed from the lush green surroundings, the availability of ideal daylight, and the western breeze originating from the nearby Mediterranean Sea. These elements were foundational in shaping the house's layout and material choices. The design incorporates ceiling beams that physically separate the roof from the walls, further enhancing the open-air feel. A clerestory window encircles the entire perimeter, providing constant visual access to the exterior landscape. To maintain a sense of continuity and aesthetic coherence, exposed concrete breeze blocks and a concrete roof are utilized throughout the structure. The Bare House is thoughtfully organized into three distinct functional areas. One section is dedicated to the children, another to the parents, and the central space serves as the main living room. This central living area is strategically positioned to overlook a decked patio and the garden, effectively blurring the lines between inside and out. The architects envisioned the lounge as functioning like a courtyard—an enclosed garden that extends the outdoor environment into the very heart of the house. This design philosophy creates an immersive experience, allowing residents to feel deeply connected to nature while enjoying the comforts of their home. The use of concrete as a primary material not only contributes to the home's modern aesthetic but also reinforces the sense of continuity and integration with its surroundings. The deliberate choice to lift the roof and incorporate clerestory windows, rather than conventional large panes of glass, represents a unique and effective strategy for achieving a true indoor-outdoor living experience. This design maximizes natural ventilation and light, while also offering a distinctive architectural expression that responds directly to the site's environmental advantages. The Bare House stands as a testament to how architectural innovation can create a harmonious relationship between built structures and their natural contexts, offering a serene and interconnected living space. #ConcreteHouse #IndoorOutdoorLiving #HerzliaArchitecture #JacobsYanivArchitects #ModernDesign #SustainableLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #ResidentialArchitecture

Architect Sarah Henry, cofounder of Australian design firm studiofour, designed a house for her family in Melbourne with specific goals: privacy, family-orientation, unpretentiousness, health-focus, and sustainability. Drawing on expertise in architecture, interiors, landscape, art, and fashion design, studiofour developed a holistic plan. The design took inspiration from the Beaumaris neighborhood's classic midcentury modern homes, incorporating simple architectural lines and an integrated landscape. The natural slope of the land dictated the home's exterior, which appears bunker-like with concrete and gray-washed surfaces, creating a sense of privacy and seclusion. Narrow front steps lead to a discreet entrance, fostering a feeling of safety within. Internally, the land's slope is transformed into a single step that visually separates living and sitting rooms, and the kitchen and dining room, maintaining fluid and open spaces. The central feature of the home is an airy courtyard, accessible from every room and protected by a thick concrete fascia that blocks neighboring views while allowing sightlines to surrounding cedar trees. This courtyard is crucial to the open-concept design, facilitating a sense of togetherness among living areas and serving as a natural filter for light and shadow. Henry considers the courtyard a significant success, utilized for light, fresh air, and as an additional living space. The extensive use of concrete for the basic structure extends to the interior with exposed concrete brick walls, floors, and benchtops, establishing a serene backdrop. In the bathrooms, tadelakt, a waterproof Moroccan plaster, provides a polished concrete aesthetic. An existing Oregon wood coffee table, with its warm vibrancy, became a design pivot point. This wood element is reiterated in the dining room and kitchen through a long, combined-use table and Hans Wegner Elbow chairs, providing textural contrast and warmth against the grey concrete. Other low-sitting furniture, such as a plush navy sofa and beds, echo the coffee table's form, contributing to the room's spaciousness. Butterfly chairs in the living room and garden, with their slender wire frames, offer a lightweight contrast. This delicate contrast is mirrored by the olive trees' branches and the sheer white drapes. The house incorporates passive design principles to promote personal and environmental health. Careful wiring minimizes electromagnetic fields, and a comprehensive water filtration system provides purified water for all household uses. The selection of natural materials and maximization of light and ventilation ensure near-zero VOC emissions. For the Henry family, the home functions as an unobtrusive setting for shared moments, embodying the belief that simplicity fosters idleness, leading to a healthier state of mind. #ModernArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ConcreteHouse #CourtyardLiving #MelbourneHome #Studiofour #PassiveDesign #MidcenturyModernInfluence #IndoorOutdoorLiving

This Buckhead residence exemplifies Frank Lloyd Wright's "organic architecture" philosophy, seamlessly integrating modern design with natural elements. The home, designed by architect Scott West for a family of four, utilizes natural materials like wood, stone, and concrete throughout its structure to create a continuous flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design's core principle is to avoid disrupting the landscape, instead enhancing its inherent beauty through thoughtful architectural choices. A key feature of the house is the extensive use of glass, including ipe ceilings that extend over glass transom windows and out to the terrace, and glass-walled "pocket gardens" strategically placed in the entry, primary suite, and even the basement garage. These elements introduce organic textures and maintain a visual connection with nature from various points within the home. The most striking element is a 40-foot-long retractable glass wall that spans the entire rear of the house, effectively dissolving the boundary between the interior living space and the outdoor environment, especially the pool area. Project designer Whitney Ray of Wyeth Ray Interiors highlights the home's continuous flow, noting that the design encourages the family to utilize the entire dwelling, with a central "spine" that connects all rooms. The owners, who previously resided in a four-story townhouse, desired a single-floor lifestyle in their new home, a preference that influenced the expansive layout. This design also allowed for the incorporation of a large subterranean garage, accommodating the owners' sports car collection. The aesthetic of the home draws inspiration from the owners' extensive travels, particularly to Asia, and their experience in luxury hotel development. This influence is evident in the selection of dramatic, luxurious materials and a minimalist approach to accessories. Furniture is characterized by clean lines and upholstered in dark neutrals, with subtle accents of navy. Accessories are intentionally sparse, contributing to an uncluttered and sophisticated ambiance. The outdoor landscaping further reinforces the serene, nature-inspired theme with the inclusion of pom-pom trees, bamboo, and tall grasses. Throughout the home, bespoke details enhance the organic and luxurious feel. A Tom Dixon blown-glass light fixture with an imperfect, organic quality is featured in the foyer. Concrete panels above a see-through fireplace are arranged in a deliberate abstract pattern. The kitchen boasts a sleek Poliform design with bookmatched marble, chosen for its vibrant character over manmade surfaces. The primary bathroom showcases Calacatta Viola marble and black cork walls, with light streaming through tall windows that overlook a private outdoor shower surrounded by lush foliage. In the dining area, another organic blown-glass fixture softly illuminates a dark marble Poliform table. The living room is designed to foster social interaction, intentionally omitting a television. A see-through metal screen separates it from an adjoining music room, providing both architectural interest and a degree of privacy. The primary bedroom features a wall of windows facing the backyard, where stone walls surrounding the pool are integrated with built-in firepits, planters, and fountains, with architect Scott West contributing to the outdoor space design. A corner of the primary bedroom is transformed into a private oasis by glass walls enclosing a shower garden. White oak floors with a custom stain create a contrast with the primary suite’s dark palette, including a gray mohair-upholstered wall, providing a crisp and fresh feel to the room. The overall result is a home that, despite its urban Buckhead location, evokes a sense of a luxurious, faraway sanctuary, blending intimacy with an expansive connection to its surroundings. #OrganicArchitecture #ModernDesign #GlassWalls #PocketGardens #Buckhead #NaturalMaterials #LuxuryHome #InteriorDesign #LandscapeIntegration

The 'House in Maksimir' is a residential project in Zagreb, Croatia, designed through a collaboration between architectural studios Struktura and 2A1-BÜRO. The primary design objective was to create a family home that emphasizes privacy and comfort through an inward-oriented spatial organization. The residence is centrally positioned on its plot, with its layout defining clear relationships of 'in front,' 'between,' and 'behind.' This design approach is rooted in the concept of a cohesive whole comprising distinct yet interconnected segments, where each part maintains characteristics of the overall composition. The architectural process commenced with a half-cube volume, approximately 14x14 meters, a form strategically derived from the site's spatial plan and optimal positioning. This initial volume underwent a series of subtractions to achieve an essential, minimalist structure. The interior is organized by two intersecting central axes that divide the ground plan into four quadrants. Additional decentralized axes create a central 'cross,' establishing a systematic arrangement across the basement, ground floor, and upper floor. Service areas are strategically located within this central cross, while living rooms, bedrooms, and garages occupy the remaining internal spaces. External areas, including enclosed courtyards and terraces, are integrated to strengthen the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. The visitor's journey through the house starts at the front yard, accessed via an entrance gate. A perforated facade partially covers this area, providing privacy while allowing filtered natural light to enter. A circular opening above, combined with a grassy surface and a large glass wall, establishes visual continuity between the front and backyards, offering an initial impression of the building's intricate spatial arrangement. The entrance hall acts as a transition point, leading to the house’s central area. From this central point, diagonal axes guide movement through the space, revealing the living room, which is flanked by the kitchen and dining area. Natural light plays a crucial role in directing movement, linking shared spaces to more private zones. The stairway, situated between the garage and a smaller backyard, functions as a vertical circulation path, connecting all three levels while adhering to the central organizational logic. The upper floor provides expansive views of the house and its surroundings, accommodating private rooms such as children’s bedrooms, a workspace, the master bedroom, and additional service areas. External terraces on this level extend the living spaces, creating a harmonious balance between the interior and exterior environments. A circular balcony with a finely detailed metal railing offers a final spatial experience, highlighting the interplay between introverted and extroverted design elements and encouraging reflection on the interconnectedness of the house's various components. The design's overarching concept of 'wholeness' is reinforced as one completes the full circulation, providing a deeper understanding of its structure and spatial logic. The project was photographed by Bosnic+Dorotic, emphasizing the collaboration between Struktura and 2A1-BÜRO. The design team included Jakov Matas, Grgur Butigan, and Rade Trbara. The House in Maksimir serves as an example of thoughtful residential architecture that balances functional requirements with aesthetic principles, ensuring both seclusion and openness through careful volumetric subtraction and spatial arrangement. #ResidentialArchitecture #ZagrebArchitecture #ModernHomeDesign #PerforatedFacade #CourtyardHouse #SpatialContinuity #CroatianArchitecture #StrukturaArchitects #2A1Buro

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

House TP, a renovation project by Belgian architecture firm dmvA, addresses the challenges of urban farming in the densely packed city of Mechelen, Belgium. The project was conceived for a client passionate about gardening, or with “green fingers,” and sought to integrate a greenhouse into a compact, 90-square-meter home situated next to a church. The house is notably sandwiched between two other buildings and features a north-oriented rear, which typically limits access to natural light. To overcome the natural light limitation, the architects implemented an innovative solution by removing the original rear wall of the building, preserving only a single steel beam. This beam then served as an anchor for additional structural beams, creating a base for a "floating" greenhouse. This design allows ample natural light to filter through to the patio space located beneath the greenhouse, enhancing the usability and ambiance of the outdoor area. Furthermore, large glazed openings were incorporated into the building's rear facade, providing expansive views of the new greenhouse from the second and third floors. The interior layout of House TP was also strategically reorganized to maximize light exposure. The primary living areas, including the kitchen and dining spaces, were relocated to the third floor, where they benefit most from natural light. Conversely, the bedroom was positioned on a lower floor. The ground floor was designed with flexibility in mind, offering an additional living space that can be easily converted into a bedroom as needed. The architects opted for an open-plan layout and removed internal walls to create a more spacious feel within the compact footprint of the home. The staircase was thoughtfully placed to the side of the building, preventing any obstruction of sightlines and contributing to the open aesthetic. The exterior of the house underwent significant transformation as well. Unlike its traditional redbrick neighbors, House TP's exterior was painted a bright white, making it stand out and contributing to a fresh, modern appearance. A notable addition to the exterior is a gate featuring steel blinds installed at a 45-degree angle. This design provides privacy for the residents while simultaneously maintaining an open and light impression. According to dmvA’s project statement, this intervention not only fulfilled the homeowner’s desire for a greenhouse and improved living conditions but also revitalized the surrounding streetscape, transforming a previously problematic dark corner into a vibrant space. The project exemplifies a creative approach to integrating green spaces and optimizing natural light within challenging urban environments. #HomeRenovation #UrbanFarming #FloatingGreenhouse #ArchitecturalInnovation #NaturalLight #CompactLiving #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #MechelenBelgium

The project involved the renovation of a 1960s home and the addition of a compact, single-story extension in British Columbia, Canada. The property, situated at the end of a suburban street, is characterized by rocky outcrops, mature fir and oak trees, and expansive 180-degree views of an inlet. The clients' vision for a new residence on this sensitive, waterfront site led to a solution focused on minimal ecological impact by retaining and renovating the existing structure, alongside the new addition. Strict waterfront setback regulations played a pivotal role in shaping the design of the addition, which accommodates the primary bedroom and en suite. These regulations necessitated an irregularly shaped building envelope. The design of the new volume features a minimal footprint, carefully touching the terrain with recessed concrete foundation walls to prevent extensive excavation in the marine-protected area. The structure itself is designed to appear as though it is hovering, with its roof dramatically soaring 13 feet above a cantilevered screen wall that extends to a sharp point. Access to the home is orchestrated by a colonnade-lined staircase that directs visitors to the front door. The addition is clad in light-stained cedar, creating a visual contrast with the original house's shed-roof forms and dark finishes, which are intended to echo the granite shoreline. In terms of landscaping, patios and pathways are seamlessly integrated with the site's native vegetation and natural topography. The design incorporates expansive windows, some with concealed frames to blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces, and others strategically placed to frame specific vistas. These windows are instrumental in capturing the changing light and ocean reflections, thereby animating the interior spaces throughout the day. The project was completed by Splyce Design, with Mdrn Built as the builder, Aspect Engineers handling structural engineering, and Andrew van Egmond responsible for landscape design. Ema Peter provided the photography for the project. #HomeRenovation #CantileveredExtension #WaterfrontProperty #SplyceDesign #BritishColumbiaArchitecture #MidcenturyModern #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

A garden room serves as a detached, standalone structure in a yard or garden, functioning as an extension of the main living space. Unlike a traditional shed, which is primarily for storage, a garden room is designed for comfort and relaxation, often featuring insulation for year-round use regardless of weather conditions. The rise of remote work has popularized garden rooms as alternative home offices, but their versatility extends to uses such as yoga studios, reading nooks, or simply a quiet retreat. The primary distinction from sheds lies in their purpose and insulation; sheds are functional storage units, while garden rooms are habitable spaces. Potting sheds and greenhouses are also strictly functional, designed for plant cultivation rather than human habitation. Constructing a garden room offers several benefits, including expanding a property's usable square footage and potentially increasing home value. It presents a more cost-effective and less disruptive alternative to building a home extension like a solarium or sunroom, as construction largely occurs outdoors. Depending on local building codes, zoning regulations, or HOA rules, a garden room, often comparable in size to a shed, may not require a building permit, though checks are necessary, especially if electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems are planned. These structures provide a dedicated space for focus and relaxation, detached from household chores, and can be enhanced with privacy features like organic fencing or trellises. Before designing, it is crucial to determine the garden room's primary use, which can range from a functional workspace (home office, craft room, reading area) to a wellness sanctuary (home gym, meditation studio, spa with sauna or hot tub), or even an entertainment hub for hosting guests or enjoying media. The process of creating a garden room involves several steps. First, determining the size and location, considering zoning requirements, intended use, and natural light availability throughout the day, is essential. Second, developing a design plan, whether through DIY sketches or professional consultation, ensures furniture and equipment fit and allows for planning surrounding pathways and landscaping features. Third, selecting materials involves choosing high-quality, durable, and waterproof options, particularly for the roof and windows. The aesthetic of the garden room can be aligned with the main house's style. Fourth, preparing the interior typically requires professional assistance for electrical wiring and installing heating/cooling systems to ensure year-round comfort. Flooring and wall painting can be undertaken before furnishing. Finally, furnishing and decorating the room involves adding furniture, storage for supplies (office, craft, exercise), and decorative elements like artwork and pillows. Amenities such as a mini-fridge, coffee bar, or even a half-bath can enhance convenience and minimize trips to the main house, further establishing the garden room as a self-sufficient retreat. #GardenRoomDesign #OutdoorLiving #HomeOffice #BackyardRetreat #HomeImprovement #OutdoorStructures #SpaceUtilization #PropertyValue #DIYHome

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

Muka Arquitectura has completed the Fuensanta House, a residential project in Ciudad Real, Spain. This unique dwelling serves as the inaugural structure in a largely undeveloped urban area, addressing the uncertainty of future adjacent constructions by adopting a fortress-like design. The house features ribbed concrete walls, distinguished by a corduroy-like texture, and is crowned with a pitched roof. Two substantial abutments extend above the main structure, contributing to its robust appearance. The exterior presents a small, recessed doorway within its brown concrete facade, emphasizing its self-contained nature. The architects chose this robust, isolated design due to the lack of existing architectural context or typological references in the surrounding unbuilt plots. The project's full integration and contextual meaning are anticipated to evolve as neighboring plots are developed, positioning the Fuensanta House as the initial element in the urban development of Ciudad Real. Three slender glass boxes vertically span the facade, accommodating a bathroom, a bar, and a staircase. These translucent elements are veiled with white frosted glass, featuring a ridged texture that visually complements the concrete, while simultaneously allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces. The design intentionally conceals any overt domestic indicators, reinforcing the structure's singular and preparatory role within the evolving urban landscape. Internally, a double-height void centrally bisects the building. On one side of this void, a narrow galley kitchen and an adjoining dining room are situated. Below these, at the basement level, a toilet and a storage room are located. The opposing side of the void houses a reception room, a garage, and a utility room. The kitchen benefits from porthole skylights integrated into the concrete ceiling and wall, which project distinct light patterns onto the interior surfaces. A suspended corridor traverses the atrium, connecting the master bedroom, which is situated within the larger of the two end blocks, to a sauna located in the smaller block. The elevated walkway features steel base plates with slits, allowing light to filter through, and is secured to the ceiling by a series of metal cables. The interaction of sunlight entering through the glass bays with the textured concrete walls creates dynamic patterns of light and shadow, highlighting the material's rich characteristics. Behind the elevated walkway, four concrete cuboids are arranged between the two end blocks. Two of these cuboids house double-height bedrooms, characterized by wood-paneled interiors designed to enhance the vertical dimension. The remaining two cuboids are two-storey spaces, each containing a bathroom on the ground level and a study above, and are connected to the adjacent bedrooms. Curved metal rungs provide access to glass-fronted perches that project from each study. Each bedroom cubicle also incorporates a strip of glazing on its back wall for additional light and features a trio of teardrop-shaped bulbs. The external surfaces of the four volumes are illuminated by up-lights, emphasizing the textural details, crevices, and chips in the concrete, with low-consumption LEDs integrated into continuous strips within the concrete cracks for artificial lighting. #MukaArquitectura #FuensantaHouse #ConcreteArchitecture #SpanishArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #UrbanDevelopment #CiudadReal #TexturedConcrete

Architect David Hicks designed Woodend house, located in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, Australia, drawing inspiration from European vernacular architecture, particularly villas found in the French, Tuscan, and Puglian countryside. The house features a deliberate windowless facade, a design choice Hicks frequently employs to create intrigue and privacy. This approach ensures that the dwelling's interior experience is revealed only upon entry, rather than from the exterior. The single-story home was created for an older couple seeking to downsize, who had previously owned another windowless property designed by Hicks. Access to the Woodend house is gained through a wrought-iron arched gate situated on the side of the building, leading to a portico and then into an entrance vestibule. The interior walls throughout the house are rendered in micro cement and finished with limewash, imparting a stone-like texture. A vintage chandelier, made from ruched Murano glass, is a focal point in the vestibule, suspended from a circular recess in the ceiling. A central corridor extends from the vestibule, providing access to all the other rooms within the residence. Among the rooms is a 'retreat' area, functioning as a relaxed study and sitting room. This space is furnished with an Eames lounge chair, a multi-armed light fixture by French designer Serge Mouille, and a fireplace framed by a Ceppo marble surround. The same Ceppo marble is utilized for shelves within two arched display niches, adding a cohesive aesthetic element. Double doors connect the retreat to the principal bedroom, which is appointed with luxurious touches including a velvet rug, a satiny headboard, and fluted glass wall sconces. Storage solutions in the bedroom are subtly integrated behind white lacquered panels. The principal bedroom also features an en-suite bathroom where surfaces are covered in pale Calacatta marble. Large sliding glazed doors at the rear of the bathroom offer views of a small brick courtyard, which is adorned with a miniature maple tree. The main living area, a more formal space, contains white armchairs and a curved baby pink sofa, with sheer linen curtains covering French doors that open to the garden. The kitchen, integrated into this area, includes simple white cabinetry and a breakfast island topped with Calacatta marble. The home's powder room showcases extensive use of Ceppo marble, covering the walls, floor, and washbasin with its distinctive pattern. The photography for Woodend house was captured by Shannon McGrath. The project exemplifies a trend in Australian architecture for homes with striking, often unconventional, facades. Other notable examples include the Birdwood house by Peter Besley, which features a perforated screen of terracotta brick and metal mesh, and the Bangalow Road House by Son Studio, characterized by a wall of timber louvres that echo traditional wooden beach shacks. These designs collectively demonstrate a focus on unique exterior treatments that often contrast with rich and private interior spaces. #AustralianArchitecture #DavidHicks #WoodendHouse #VictoriaAustralia #WindowlessFacade #InteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #Marble #ResidentialArchitecture

Hailey and Ryan Weller, partners at Concrete Collaborative, undertook a renovation of their 20-year-old home in San Clemente, California, with the goal of creating bright, relaxed spaces for their family and pets. Their primary objective was to lighten the existing dark and dated finishes, infusing a coastal aesthetic inspired by the nearby beach environment. Given their professional background, concrete and terrazzo architectural finishes played a central role in the home's redesign, featuring natural materials reminiscent of sand and rock, abstract patterns suggesting surf culture, and playful color accents. The open-plan ground floor was designed with a neutral palette of whites, creams, and warm grays, serving as a sophisticated foundation for more vibrant elements. Geometric patterned tiles from Concrete Collaborative's Strands x Half Moon collection, designed by Natalie Meyers with a "Scandi-fornian" ethos, were incorporated around the fireplace. The kitchen, characterized by white cabinetry complemented by rattan and timber details, adopted a coastal chic style. Countertops were outfitted with expansive slabs of Concrete Collaborative’s Pacifica extra small marble chip terrazzo, paired with a backsplash from the Strands collection featuring a beige accent that subtly echoed the brass hardware and evoked sandy beaches. Terrazzo tiles were strategically used to establish a seamless flow across the entire ground floor, with their large, rectangular format enhancing the open-plan layout. This design extended to an outdoor entertaining area through large glass doors, facilitating an indoor/outdoor living experience year-round. The outdoor space includes a pool and lounge area paved with Concrete Collaborative Trails pavers and a bar clad in Dwell Tails tiles from the Strands collection, featuring bold, midcentury-inspired colors like Acacia. Additionally, Trestles Circle Breeze Blocks in Beige provided an elevated architectural pattern for a simple block bench. The playful approach to materials and patterns continued into the home's private areas, particularly the four distinct bathrooms. Each bathroom was given a unique character. The guest bathroom, connected to the pool area, aimed for a "lush feeling" using Strands x Dwell collection tiles in Universal Green and Ivory, with color inlaid using the traditional encaustic process for durability. The children’s bathroom adopted a dramatically different palette, featuring a Large Pink Chip terrazzo on the floors and pink striped Strands tiles on the shower walls, balanced with black hardware and a black speckled basin to avoid a overly cutesy appearance. Overall, the renovation successfully integrated Concrete Collaborative's products to achieve a harmonious and functional living space. The design choices, from the natural raw materials of the tiles to the beach-inspired color schemes, were tailored to the San Clemente beachside setting, resulting in a simple, relaxed, and cohesive aesthetic that fulfills the homeowners' vision. #HomeRenovation #CoastalDesign #ConcreteCollaborative #TerrazzoTiles #GeometricTiles #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign

Lisa and Gary Mieran, owners of Akyrah Kitchens, designed and largely built their two-storey, industrial-style home with modernist influences in Gympie, Queensland. The house, completed in December 2019 after a two-stage construction, is situated on land historically owned by Lisa's family. The design draws inspiration from Heide II, a modernist icon in Melbourne, celebrating concrete, timber, abundant light, and earthy tones. Lisa envisioned a home that would rise organically from the earth, becoming an integral part of the landscape and improving with age. The structure features off-form concrete, walls of glass, and tactile timbers, with the lower storey clad in cedar and the upper storey in recycled hardwood. Steel balustrading, handcrafted by Gary, complements the exterior, which also includes a swimming pool with Andorra limestone pavers. The interior features a breezeway offering spectacular views and airflow, with ceilings made of Henley Oak Grove engineered timber. The foyer includes a BassamFellows 'Geometric' day bed and artworks by Steve Waller. Given their expertise with Akyrah Kitchens, the kitchen in their home is a highlight, featuring blackbutt veneer doors, Basaltina benchtops, Circa taps from Brodware, and Inax 'Ceravio G' tiles. The living areas include a guest sitting area with a B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' sofa and a living room with a Cheminées Philippe fireplace and Jardan furnishings. The home was built in two stages to accommodate their grown children, Taren and Kirra. The first stage was a self-contained flat, which served as their temporary residence during the main build and now functions as a guest wing. The main house and another guest wing are connected by glassed walkways, with the main bedroom suite located upstairs. This design allows for three self-contained bedrooms with ensuites, providing private quarters for everyone while centralizing communal living spaces. Practicality and functionality are key design principles, evident in the integrated laundry within the bathroom behind a blackbutt joinery feature wall, and the kitchen's two large islands designed for simplicity and ample storage. The materials used throughout the home emphasize natural elements. Recycled timber is used for the upper storey and blackbutt joinery adds warmth, while the seamless flow of concrete from exterior to interior reinforces the architectural aesthetic. The home is designed for climate control, with generous light for winter warmth and cross-breezes for summer cooling. Lisa also undertook the landscaping, incorporating native plants like Xanthorrhoea, pandanus, native grasses, and succulents. The furniture, much of it Australian-made from brands like Jardan, is chosen for its timeless appeal and durability, reflecting the couple's preference for classic design over fleeting trends. The house stands as a testament to the couple's comprehensive involvement and shared vision, combining their professional skills with personal passions to create a harmonious and functional living space. #ModernistArchitecture #IndustrialStyle #ConcreteDesign #TimberAccents #SustainableMaterials #HomeDesign #OwnerBuilt #QueenslandHome #InteriorDesign

Transforming a backyard into a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor living room requires careful planning and design expertise to avoid common pitfalls. The article highlights five key mistakes people often make and provides actionable advice from garden designers to create a successful outdoor space. The first mistake is not fully utilizing architectural features. Incorporating elements like an outdoor fireplace with a chimney can add visual interest and extend the usability of the space into cooler months. Interior designer Alison Henry emphasizes treating the outdoor area as an additional room, considering finishes, color schemes, furnishings, and lighting to create various moods and functions throughout the year. Secondly, many people fail to think of their backyard as a social space. Modern outdoor living demands areas designed for entertaining, such as outdoor kitchens and shaded dining spots. HollandGreen's Mark Latchford illustrates this with a contemporary pergola featuring an automated louvered roof for sun control and integrated heaters for warmth, creating a multifunctional hub for year-round enjoyment. The example includes a 14-seater hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, a 12-seater bar, and a pizza oven, emphasizing spaces for gathering and entertainment. The third common error is not considering the outdoor space as an extension of the home, leading to a disconnected feel. Natalia Miyar, an interior designer, advocates for furnishing outdoor terraces with colors and materials that harmonize with the surrounding environment, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. She encourages a playful approach, prioritizing comfort and good design to create inviting and relaxed spots that seamlessly blend with contemporary architecture. Fourthly, neglecting to factor in weather conditions when selecting furniture and plants is a significant oversight. Durable, weather-resistant outdoor furniture and strategic planting are crucial. Garden designer Claire Merriman designed a crescent-shaped bench integrated into a terrace, sheltered by Koelreuteria paniculata trees to provide shade. This approach ensures comfort and longevity while enhancing the atmospheric appeal of the space with fragrant flowers or herbs. Finally, inadequate planning for light and shade elements can compromise the usability and enjoyment of an outdoor living room. Landscape architect John Wyer advises against placing dining areas in full sun due to excessive heat and suggests west-facing spots for evening sun. He also recommends choosing plants with year-round structural interest and designing a comprehensive lighting scheme using spiked LEDs to highlight planting, ensuring the space remains appealing and functional from dusk onwards. Such thoughtful considerations are essential for maximizing the appeal and utility of outdoor areas. #OutdoorLivingRoom #GardenDesign #BackyardDecor #LandscapeArchitecture #ArchitecturalFeatures #OutdoorFurniture #WeatherConditions #LightingDesign #HomeExtension

This article details the renovation of a modest rural building, dubbed "Texturized House," by Bongiana Architetture, located in a valley of vineyards in Padova, Italy. The project aimed to transform the existing structure into a contemporary retreat suitable for family celebrations and intimate gatherings, emphasizing atmosphere through light and raw materiality. The design philosophy centers on raw purity, utilizing rough surfaces, exposed materials, and essential details to create a visual and tactile narrative where every surface contributes to the spatial perception. A central feature of the renovation is the double-height barn, re-envisioned as a large, luminous cavity. The design maximizes natural light, allowing it to filter through openings and reflect off textured surfaces, creating dynamic shadows that animate the space. A suspended bookshelf within this volume introduces an intermediate, airy, and intimate area that complements the open space below. The theme of fire serves as a connection between the home's past and present; the original fireplace is preserved in the older section, while a new cast-iron stove becomes a focal point in the barn. The walls surrounding the stove are clad with split terra-cotta tiles, a design by Bongiana Architetture for Terraformae, where the jointing pattern forms the primary decorative element. A notable innovation is the new concrete floor, which reinterprets traditional Venetian terrazzo. Instead of incorporating marble fragments, the design utilizes reclaimed terra-cotta slats, cut from hollow bricks previously used to clad the portico's pillars. This choice creates a material connection between the ground and the building's structure, blending historical memory with contemporary design. The furnishing strategy further reinforces this blend of old and new; carefully selected reclaimed pieces, such as a 1950s kitchen salvaged from an old house and repurposed, contribute to a coherent and lived-in narrative. The 3,229-square-foot project involved several key collaborators, including builder F.lli Schivo, structural and civil engineer Stefano Debiasi, and landscape designer Studio Annachiara Vendramin. Riccardo De Vecchi captured the architectural photography. The overall design of Texturized House seeks to create essential atmospheres through the interplay of raw surfaces and abundant natural light, making every detail and surface integral to the home's story. #BarnRenovation #ItalianArchitecture #TerraCotta #TerrazzoFloor #AdaptiveReuse #RawMateriality #SustainableDesign #ReclaimedMaterials #ArchitecturalLighting

This article details the architectural design and features of the SHED/HOUSE, a 1300 sq ft residence completed in 2023 by Side Angle Side in Llano, United States. The house is strategically positioned on a central Texas hill to provide expansive southern views of the Texas Hill Country. Its design intentionally incorporates a blank facade that evokes the appearance of a traditional shed when approached from the public road, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the agricultural landscape. This camouflaged exterior is a key element of the architectural concept, creating a sense of integration with the rural surroundings. The interior layout of the SHED/HOUSE is structured around a linear plan comprising six distinct rectangular spaces. This progressive arrangement guides occupants from more public areas to increasingly private ones. The design prioritizes a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor environments, with every interior space offering a view or direct access to the exterior. A notable feature is the breezeway, which serves as a transition point. Upon passing the initial shed-like facade, visitors are led through this breezeway, which cleverly reorients the view back towards the captivating Texas Hill Country, setting the stage for the sequential experience of the interior. The project was curated by Hana Abdel, with architectural design by John Redington. J&M Remodeling served as the contractors, and Duffy Engineering provided structural engineering expertise. Photography was handled by Casey Dunn, capturing the essence of the design and its integration with the landscape. Key manufacturers involved in the project include Fisher & Paykel, DWR, Gerkin, Kohler, Material Bank, RBW, and The Shade Store, indicating a selection of quality materials and fittings. The use of wood and steel are significant material choices in the SHED/HOUSE, contributing to both its aesthetic and structural integrity. These materials align with the vernacular inspiration of the shed and contribute to a contemporary yet rooted architectural expression. The emphasis on views, the integration with the landscape, and the thoughtful progression of spaces define the core principles behind the SHED/HOUSE project, making it a notable example of residential architecture in the Texas Hill Country. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #TexasHillCountry #ModernDesign #WoodConstruction #SteelStructure #LlanoTexas #SideAngleSide #ArchitecturalPhotography

This blog post introduces a new farmhouse-style house plan that emphasizes outdoor living, particularly a spacious back porch. While many house plans featuring porches concentrate on the front, this design highlights a generous, vaulted outdoor space at the rear of the home. Soaring windows are incorporated to create a seamless visual connection between the interior and this outdoor area, enhancing the open and airy feel. The exterior of the house plan maintains a popular farmhouse aesthetic, characterized by elements like board-and-batten siding and rustic lighting fixtures. The front of the house also includes a large front porch, which provides a balanced visual counterpoint to the two-bay garage. The article notes that farmhouse style remains a top-selling category on Houseplans.com, with barndominium plans also gaining popularity, indicating a continued demand for designs that blend traditional charm with modern living preferences. Inside, the main floor layout is designed with aging in place in mind, featuring a primary suite conveniently located on this level. French doors from the primary suite open directly onto the back porch, promoting a breezy atmosphere and easy access to the outdoor area. The vaulted great room also offers views of the back porch, further integrating the indoor and outdoor spaces. The kitchen and dining area are thoughtfully designed with practical features, including a dedicated coffee bar and a work area. These spaces also offer easy access to the back porch, facilitating outdoor entertaining and casual dining. This connectivity between indoor communal areas and the outdoor living space is a central theme of the design. Moving to the upper level, the plan includes three additional bedrooms. These rooms provide flexible space that can accommodate family members, guests, or serve as home offices, offering versatility for different household needs. One of these upstairs bedrooms is equipped with a private bathroom, adding convenience and privacy for its occupants. This house plan offers a total of 3367 square feet, with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, catering to a range of family sizes and lifestyles. The design reflects current trends in home building that prioritize functional layouts, outdoor integration, and adaptability. #HousePlan #FarmhouseStyle #OutdoorLiving #Porches #HomeDesign #FloorPlans #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialDesign