Take a break from the brisk cold and often grey days of winter at the Winterlude Pavilion in a park in Ottawa, Canada. The brilliant geometric form, designed by Adrian Bica and his team, is sparking a sense of wonder and engagement. Its sparkling shape is reminiscent of a soccer ball, appealing to children and adults alike. Made of interwoven pentagons and hexagons, the tubular geometry is simple and complex at the same time. Continue reading →

In a new forested development in a Montreal suburb, this single family home succeeds at being very private. Its street facade is warmly and deliberately standoffish. A rich wood door defines the entrance in the elegant and austere two-story clay brick form. A tall lean corner window peeks inside the living area at one end and a horizontal ribbon of windows lights the corridor above. Yet contrary to the stark facade, the house hugs the ground in an inviting approachable manner. It has eliminated traditional steps and raised floor levels to create a strong bond between interior and exterior spaces. Continue reading →

Deep narrow urban lots come naturally with many opportunities. Architect Thomas Balaban maximized these in increasingly popular ways. The three level, three bed, three bath 300 sq.m. home clearly contrasts its traditional neighborhood in materials. Yet its volumes are subtle, familiar, and inviting. Continue reading →

You may not yet have dreamt of a place for relaxation along with boat storage. Now you will when you immerse yourself in to this creation by Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Limited. Picture an island in the archipelago of Georgian Bay in Ontario. It’s a four-season getaway with unlimited natural beauty where still waters reflect the mostly evergreen forest that springs from the rocky land. Continue reading →

Modern living probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of southeast Asia. “The sustainable Asian House”, a wonderful architecture book written by Paul McGillick and beautifully photographed by Masano Kawana, has opened my eyes to some amazing dwellings in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This book explores the idea of sustainable living in the tropics from environmental, social and cultural points of view, showcasing contemporary houses that actually respond, adapt and work with the region’s unique climate. Continue reading →

An ancient Polish home type was the inspiration for this modern family home in mid-north-eastern Poland. SDA Architekti used historic forms and materials and manipulated them to enhance contemporary life. Continue reading →

This modern home is an exemplary showcase of geometric grace and muted tonality. The palette is as introverted as the house appears to be from the street. Nico Van der Meulen Architects flooded the interiors with light from clerestory windows, without a drop of privacy being compromised. You will never believe it was crafted from a single level gable roofed home! Continue reading →

This library is a truly religious experience. It is housed in the former St. Denys-du-Plateau Church, an elegant soaring creation of the late architect Jean-Marie Roy, erected in 1964. And it honors a local award-winning and prolific author of children’s books, Monique Corriveau. Continue reading →

Geometry with a few well-executed twists creates elevated spaces. SDA Architekti enhanced the quality of life for this Warsaw family with carefully considered fluctuation of typically rigid forms. In the suburban setting, privacy was a high priority. An L-shaped plan revealed itself as the solution to provide privacy at the public street side and take secluded advantage of the backyard. Continue reading →

I’m fascinated by the multitude of ways that a simple country home can be executed so that it is unique. Naturehumaine architects conceived this mountain house in eastern Quebec, at the pinnacle of a dramatically sloped site. The natural plateau presented itself as the perfect location to settle in. Continue reading →