Solidly anchored by poured-in-place concrete foundations, this luxurious residence rests on the hillside of an aspen forest in Park City, Utah. The two level 12,000 sq.ft. home’s main rectilinear form is parallel to the hill for maximum immersion in to nature. Its materials of wood, concrete, and steel blend in to their surrounding in texture and tone. Perpendicular to the major form, the entrance is dramatic with its exposed frame of heavy timber and blackened steel that mimics the trees. The drama of the double height living spaces with floor to ceiling windows is only surpassed by the spectacular forest views. Continue reading →

Day light is often an underutilized design element. Yet for artists, one a sculptor and one a media artist, who own this Sonoma, California home, that brilliant component is mandatory. Designed by architect William O’Brien Jr., here natural light takes center stage as the most important aspect of the house’s design. Continue reading →

Architecture that springs from its site as a natural occupant is a rare thing, especially when the home is large, as in 7600 square feet large. The Butte Residence is delicately nestled on its 38 acre bluff in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A driveway meanders through the site’s pine and aspen forest setting the stage for the amazing home that will unfold. Continue reading →

Just the location of this new family home in the Laurentian mountains of Quebec overlooking a pristine lake should fulfill any home owner’s wishes. Add to that a clever plan derived from site constraints, and expectations are succeeded. Continue reading →

Picture this…a small town south of Mexico City nestled in to rocky cliffs. The historic town center contrasts greatly with the lush wild country surrounding it. Creative types – artists, writers, musicians – have made it their idyllic retreat for many years. Part of a larger complex of bungalows that can be rented by days, months, or even years if you’re so fortunate, the lounge is a communal space in sharp contrast with nature. At the same time it acts as a liaison between man and the environment. Continue reading →

In Melbourne an extended family who own two adjacent houses created a unique combined home for the entire family. They took this opportunity when both homes were in need of repair. Instead of adding space they united the homes and maximized the outdoor area in their city dwelling. Continue reading →

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the amazing Columbia River in Oregon, this house is born from and thrives on natural elements. Two levels make up 1831 sq.ft. of dramatic and nurturing vistas. Continue reading →

On New Zealand’s sixth largest island, this home nestles lightly in to a wooded cove beneath rugged hills. Elevated slightly above the lush ground for protection from flooding, the house is sited to enjoy the hill views and to tuck the bedrooms close to the forest for privacy. The exposed timber skeleton and siding are a nod to the house’s woodland host. And the roof slopes up to increase the height of the living area and, of course, for functional reasons as well. Continue reading →

On a steep and lushly wooded site, long-time residents wished for studios in which to paint and practice yoga… personal spaces to expand their existing hillside home. What Feldman Architecture created is the stuff of dreams for me. Two separate studios, one for his painting, and one for her yoga and to act as a guest house, were notched in to the hillside. Creating two individual buildings minimized disturbance of the site. Continue reading →

This extraordinary family home in Japan is surrounded on three sides by traditional residences and one seven story apartment tower looming on the other. I’m always delighted to see beauty built from adversity. The solution employed here is called ukikabe, or floating screen wall. Continue reading →