Home Design

Luxury Cottage Home in Canada - this island cottage is superkul
Designed by aptly named architecture firm Superkul, the luxury Shift Cottage located on Canada’s Georgian Bay is super-cool, to say the least. The calm, uncomplicated characteristic of this northern Ontario setting sets the tone for this modern 2,000-sq.-ft. haven of rest and relaxation. The island cottage sits on the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield, the subject of many Group of Seven masterpieces, and this idyllic location has too inspired the architects in designing this rustic home of quiet luxuries. A line of evergreens hides this cedar-clad cottage from public view. Behind the privacy of the trees, two separate volumes are linked by a glass walkway. Each wing of the house boasts large windows to take in the view, or for a more hands-on experience of the outdoors, wooden decks surround the home, framing picture-perfect views of forest and the Bay – the truest forms of Canadian cottage delights. Superkul via Designboom via Digs Digs Also on Georgian Bay, check this sustainable modern cottage ...

Underground House by Polish Architecture Firm
As curious as it is cool, the underground design for OUTrial House by Polish architecture firm KWK Promes reveals a secret in this quiet country field in Ksiazenice, Poland. Carved into the earth and concealed beneath a lush layer of grass, this innovative hideaway house peeks through only with a sliver of windows. An underground atrium was created by slicing into the design, opening it up to the sky while remaining “underground.” But perhaps most interesting feature about this unique design is that the landscaped roof is only accessible from inside the house, by ascending the grass-covered stairs. Beneath the camouflaged facade, the house boasts all the traditional goods: living rooms, functional spaces, and even a sound studio. KWK Promes via Contemporist

Luxury Cottage Home in Canada - this island cottage is superkul
Designed by aptly named architecture firm Superkul, the luxury Shift Cottage located on Canada’s Georgian Bay is super-cool, to say the least. The calm, uncomplicated characteristic of this northern Ontario setting sets the tone for this modern 2,000-sq.-ft. haven of rest and relaxation. The island cottage sits on the rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield, the subject of many Group of Seven masterpieces, and this idyllic location has too inspired the architects in designing this rustic home of quiet luxuries. A line of evergreens hides this cedar-clad cottage from public view. Behind the privacy of the trees, two separate volumes are linked by a glass walkway. Each wing of the house boasts large windows to take in the view, or for a more hands-on experience of the outdoors, wooden decks surround the home, framing picture-perfect views of forest and the Bay – the truest forms of Canadian cottage delights. Superkul via Designboom via Digs Digs Also on Georgian Bay, check this sustainable modern cottage ...

Underground House by Polish Architecture Firm
As curious as it is cool, the underground design for OUTrial House by Polish architecture firm KWK Promes reveals a secret in this quiet country field in Ksiazenice, Poland. Carved into the earth and concealed beneath a lush layer of grass, this innovative hideaway house peeks through only with a sliver of windows. An underground atrium was created by slicing into the design, opening it up to the sky while remaining “underground.” But perhaps most interesting feature about this unique design is that the landscaped roof is only accessible from inside the house, by ascending the grass-covered stairs. Beneath the camouflaged facade, the house boasts all the traditional goods: living rooms, functional spaces, and even a sound studio. KWK Promes via Contemporist

Beach House Design in Wood on California Coast
This cool, contemporary California beach house by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects is a striking, stand-out design among the rocks and sand of its beachfront property. Two prominent volumes clad in wood and lined with windows can be seen from a distance, protruding from the structure’s main body, resulting in nooks of wind-sheltered outdoor living spaces with Pacific Ocean views. “This beach house replaces a beloved William Wurster house that burned down on the site”, according to Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects. “The client requested we design the new house to capture the spirit of the original house, while meeting all the current seismic codes and FEMA requirements for houses in high-risk coastal zones, which included raising the floor level of the house.” Interiors are too clad in wood, giving them a warm, relaxed, “beach house” ambience. Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects.

Unusual House in Brazil
Architects Alan Chu and Cristiano Kato designed this simple yet unusual house near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Taking it from ordinary to extraordinary, the architects took the old, existing single-storey mountainside house and redesigned in into one home with two contrasting volumes – a three-by-five-meter white box, balancing atop a winding retaining rock wall that lures you into the lower part of the house. The focal point of the upper volume is a large picture window, covered by a functioning wood privacy panel. This organic, rustic natural wood detail is echoed inside the home, in the doors, windows, staircase, shelves and furniture. Alan Chu and Cristiano Kato via Cool Boom via Plataforma Arquitectura photo credit: Djan Chu

Eco Friendly Renovation creates sustainable refuge in San Francisco ...
From the 1950s to a modern eco friendly house designed for today, Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects’ renovation of the Atherton Residence in south San Francisco home is incredible. The original house was removed, except for existing mature landscaping and a pond, which were preserved at the owner’s request. The tone for the new residence would be one of refuge, and in harmony with its natural surroundings. Four volumes make up this design – a main house, a study, a pool house and the garage. As opposed to most traditional homes which focus out to the public, these four buildings face inward to the pond, a central garden and the pool. Apart from its surroundings and the sliding glass doors that open to the outdoors, the home’s connection to nature here runs deep. This sustainable design incorporates photovoltaic and solar hot water panels, and home heating comes via a radiant system within the stone floors. For cooling, passive methods are employed, such as strategically placed shading systems and operable windows keep it cool and comfortable. And many of the home’s “green” features are those you can’t see outright – concealed behind the walls are earth friendly materials like high fly-ash concrete, formaldehyde-free casework and denim insulation. Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects.

Modern Japanese House
Japanese Atelier Tekuto has mastered the small, modern space. Reflection of Mineral House in Tokyo, Japan is a small but sweet residence, measuring it at just 480 sq. ft. Designed by architect Yasuhiro Yamashita, the house appears as though it has been crushed and crammed into its small, irregularly shaped lot. Oddly enough, the result is a whimsical, multi-faceted gem in this densely populated urban center. The picture of elegant Japanese modernism, the architect’s vision comes alive with every twist and fold of the home’s striking silhouette, which appears to balance on a single point at its base. Inside, the home’s fabulous form dictates the wonderfully shaped rooms and the way light hits every angle. A minimal white palette and natural wood floors keep the focus where intended – on form. Atelier Tekuto via The Cool Hunter photo credit: Jimmy Cohrssen

Movable Walls Home in Corsica - open concept floor plan
The clean, uncluttered look of this contemporary home is as easy on the eyes as it is on the soul. This fabulous holiday house in Corsica, designed by architect Philippe Stuebi is amazing on so many levels, literally. The terrace design steps its way down the slope, boasting a view of the sea. A prominent staircase makes its way up the hill, emphasizing the slope while creating an irresistible entrance into the home. But there’s more to this modern home than meets the eye – tucked beneath the terrace is a guest suite with a private bath and a cellar. When relaxing in the home’s main-level living area, you get the feeling of being outdoors, yet sheltered behind sliding glass walls that open onto a patio. A really cool and versatile feature built into this innovative design are two movable walls, which can be removed from the kitchen and bedroom, transforming it into one large, open-concept floor plan. Philippe Stuebi via Cube Me

Hawaiian House built on lavaflow from nearby active volcano!
A cool design for tricky terrain (no pun intended) the Robert Trickey House on Big Island is a modern Hawaiian house nestled on lavaflow with the ocean splayed at its feet. A more-perfect spot could not possibly exist for this gorgeous 6,200-sq.-ft. house, designed by Architect Craig Steely. The house consists of two volumes – a single-storey studio and a separate two-level home – wrapped in glass for maximum views. Residents and guests cross a bridge stretching across the pool and to a large 40-by-40-ft. deck, leading to a cut lava entrance that welcomes you home. Opening onto the deck are the glass-enclosed living room, dining room, kitchen and a guest room. Taking you upstairs, a cantilevered mango-wood staircase leads to the master bedroom, bathroom and study. Visible from the home’s deck, the Kilauea crater glows red by night. Architect Craig Steely.

Modern Mountain House that will make you stay forever ...
Please yourself – that’s the motto at Berge, a self-catering lodge in Aschau im Chiemgau, Germany, designed by German designer Nils Holger Moormann. “Berge is not a hotel. Berge is a retreat,” according to Moorman. “There is no one to wait on you in Berge. Your stay is as good as you make it.” This modern mountain house has an unruffled, rustic appeal that relaxes and rejuvenates. The building itself dates back to 1671, when it operated as a bakery to the neighboring castle. The renovation of the historical structure preserved and exposed its original features. Interiors are simple. Untreated timber beams and raw, rough rocky walls stand in stark contrast to the sleek, modern fixtures of contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, and of course the modern, urban furnishings – Moormann’s own designs. While there is no TV, and no “service” per se, there certainly is plenty of character. Nils Holger Moormann via Dezeen

Mountain Chalet is built into the mountain, for a snowboarding pro Marc Morisset
Canadian architecture firm Studio NminusOne gets a big plus for creativity when it comes to its unique residential designs, namely Khyber Ridge Residence - a mountain chalet located in picturesque Whistler, British Columbia. This 3,000-sq.-ft., three-bedroom chalet designed by the Toronto-based team for snowboard pro Marc Morisset blends unconventional, eccentric elements into a unique “floating” design. This contemporary residence is enclosed in walls of windows, placing it inconspicuously among the trees and mountains. Inside the contemporary glazed walls, this five-storey chalet cascades down the mountainside, exuding elegance at every turn. Rock walls really make you feel as though you’re a part of something truly majestic. Clean, modern lines and simple furnishings that border on art complete the look. Studio NminusOne via Freshome

Mountain Home Design Inspired by Views, Mill Valley, CA
Sherman Residence is a really cool mountain home by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects. Located in Mill Valley, California, this modern design blends nature and innovation in a truly contemporary house on a hill. The sloped terrain set the tone for the home unique shape. The main volume of this mountain house sits close to the hillside, clad in a natural wood that complements its surroundings. Overhead, the home's upper volume features expansive windows and cantilevers overhead, seeming to dive into the spectacular Tamalpais Valley views. Interiors are bright and minimalist with warm woods on a simple white backdrop, not even daring to compete with the gorgeous landscape outside. An aesthetically pleasing design that blends with the terrain, by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects. photo credit: Tim Griffin

Hawaiian House built on lavaflow from nearby active volcano!
A cool design for tricky terrain (no pun intended) the Robert Trickey House on Big Island is a modern Hawaiian house nestled on lavaflow with the ocean splayed at its feet. A more-perfect spot could not possibly exist for this gorgeous 6,200-sq.-ft. house, designed by Architect Craig Steely. The house consists of two volumes – a single-storey studio and a separate two-level home – wrapped in glass for maximum views. Residents and guests cross a bridge stretching across the pool and to a large 40-by-40-ft. deck, leading to a cut lava entrance that welcomes you home. Opening onto the deck are the glass-enclosed living room, dining room, kitchen and a guest room. Taking you upstairs, a cantilevered mango-wood staircase leads to the master bedroom, bathroom and study. Visible from the home’s deck, the Kilauea crater glows red by night. Architect Craig Steely.

Open Concept House in Sao Paulo, Brazil - exotic luxury house
Studio MK27 is the architecture firm behind Panama House, an exotic open concept home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A signature of architect Marcio Kogan, the home boasts a low-profile shape and an open-concept gallery-type space that’s still intimate without being "stuffy". Each of the three storeys becomes a display for the homeowner’s contemporary Brazilian art collection. The expansive windows invite the outdoors in, while sliding wood panels offer the option of privacy while controlling light exposure to the prized collection of paintings and sculptures. The vertical grain of the windows screens complements the long lines of the wooden deck and the strong horizontal presence of the house itself. Studio MK27 via The Cool Hunter

Narrow Lot House Design in Venice, CA - maximizing light and views
Here's a cool narrow lot house with real "upward" appeal - Vertical House by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects is a unique single-family home located on a very narrow lot in Venice, California. The area constraints meant the architect had to build up rather than out, hence the home's strong vertical presence. But the small lot size didn't mean the architect was going to skimp on square footage, it just meant he would have to get creative with his use of space. This 2,400-sq.-ft. home makes the most of every inch, and maximizes the available light and views to further enhance it's sense of space. The home's bold steel frame houses glazed (clear and colored) and solid panels, which have been artfully arranged in a striking staggered up-down pattern. This same sense of modern movement makes its way indoors, where a basement and two storeys are dotted with rectangular panels and elongated windows that flood the house with bright natural light. Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects. Photo credit: Michael Weschler Photography