Reinventing a heritage building is always a hard challenge for architects…especially when continuity assumes the conceptual bridge between past, present and future. I’m talking about the priceless value of tradition as an element to be preserved as a vital part of a profound rehabilitation.

The Seaside Single House used to be an old agricultural warehouse in Tuscany, Italy. Its ruins gave birth to an outstanding project with only 90 sq. m. of building area. Placed at the top of a mountain, overlooking the sea and the surrounded islands, this small seaside house accomplished the most out of almost nothing! Continue reading →

Can nature be prefabricated? To make this tricky question more clear, check out this modular prefab house in Cedeira, Spain. This exquisite residence is positioned on a steep hill, in a zone dominated by the magnificent company of the ocean and a forest of eucalyptus trees.

The volume of the house is inspired by the harvest countryside, family farms and also by pitched roof houses. All is green and irradiates the tender nature’s breeze…In a brilliant design option, the concept of this unique building respects these site qualities. Continue reading →

Tropical countries often surprise us with their finest uncompromising architecture…By this I mean that buildings always get the most profound relation with their surrounding nature without any kind of fear or prudence! A physical frontier between interior and exterior is almost entirely absent in tropical pieces of architecture, just like in the V4 House in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Continue reading →

In Timmelsjoch, Austria, a fine piece of architecture seems to defy gravity! I’m talking about the Pass Museum, where its name fully confirms its function: the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the outstanding alpine landscape. It also serves as a monument in honor of the alpine road pioneers and their exceptional accomplishments.

A sinuous path leads our steps to this amazing structure. The design references the shape of an erratic rock that simply seems to erect itself from the land on which it stands. Continue reading →

Can you imagine a modern prefabricated home with a substantial low ecological impact, at a very accessible price, and assembled in only 5 hours? The Freedomky House is the answer! But seriously…can this concept really exist?

Atelier Stepan definitely confirms the viability and most importantly, the urgency of Eco-friendly architecture like this one… A miraculous modular building that allies a poetically organic aesthetics with a perfect sense of functionality. I gladly challenge you to take a peek at this unique prefab! Continue reading →

In Waiheke island, New Zealand, a modern re-interpretation of the ancient tent provides the most amazing place for contemplating nature…Like our ancestors nomad shelters, this beautiful coastal home, by the name of Island Retreat, captures the essence of a small camp. Continue reading →

Soft, smooth and tender…These are qualities that architecture should always embrace to achieve the most suitable atmosphere for its dwellers. And wood seems to always assume a privileged role in this equation.

In Fuglevik, Norway, a modern summer retreat reminds us how the ingenious use of organic materials always lead to the conquest of such noble qualities… A small wooden volume with 130 sq. m. of living space establishes a symbiotic connection with its environment: from the concept to its conception! Just follow these simple coordinates: ocean, trees and wooden planks. Continue reading →

Once again, Japanese architects remind us how less can be definitely more! In a drastically constrained area, Life in Spiral presents an inspired concept for domestic living spaces…

An exceptional promenade staircase turns this tiny four story building (total floor area of 109 sq. m.) into an amazing trip through all spaces of a conventional housing program! A spiraling stairway captures our interest even before we enter the house: the transparent facades deliberately expose this dynamic element to the city of Tokyo! It’s almost like an urban sculpture, don’t you think? Continue reading →

An enclosed garden for a living room, framing an ancient walnut tree as a beautiful picture in order to be appreciated from the sofa – Isn’t this an inspirational place to live?

In Graz, Austria a small extension turned a suburban house into a much brighter home. Villa SK benefits now from the attachment of a new glass box addition that serves as an exquisite living room. Continue reading →

Architecture should always assume a positive and meaningful contribution in a chaotic suburban context…In Hiroshima, Japan, a special building brought some light and bliss to a similar situation! The M Clinic is an eye clinic and its function is deliberately illustrated to the outside. With a building area of 191 sq. m. distributed in three floors, this exceptional construction assumes a visual landmark for the area with a prominent exterior appearance consisting of three angular overhangs. Continue reading →