Nature

The two-acre site spans a small peninsula that historically supported an inshore fishing port. The project—known as Shobac—began over 25 years ago and today is home to a "micro-village" of cottages and homes designed by MacKay-Lyons and his family.

A lot of the living room furniture came from the Cross-Stitch House, including the Jardan couch and chairs.

The internal courtyard is the heart of the home.

A look at the front entrance of the residence. The home's striking sod roof effortlessly blends the property into its lush surroundings.

At the end of a dirt road in Bissel Cove, Rhode Island, this 1940s bungalow is surrounded by tall trees and a small horse farm. "It’s very enchanting and quiet—in the best way," note the residents, who own East Surf Co., a surf wax company.

Wild Lilac is set on the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, far removed from the glitz of Los Angeles. LaHabra Santa Barbara Mission Finish stucco was used for the exterior to protect the home from strong sun.

Retractable glass walls allow living spaces to blend from inside to outside, creating a direct connection with the Bondi Beach climate.

Designed by Arthur Witthoefft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1961, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom midcentury house is set in the woods of Armonk, New York. The 5,000-square-foot home features full-height walls of glass, a wraparound floating terrace, and a quiet deck that overlooks the site's sylvan surroundings.

On the green roof, guests enjoy stunning panoramic views, a hydromassage pool, and a lounge area.

The second-floor terrace forms a partial covering for the deck below it.

Campo Loft is surrounded by lush vegetation atop a mountainous hillside.

RF Residence takes inspiration from the work of Donald Judd, says JSa Arquitectura. An expansive patio allows residents to soak in the views while dining alfresco.

When the home isn't inhabited, the brothers secure the building with heavy treated pine screens.

Not only was extra living space necessary for the growing family of four, but the existing house also failed to take advantage of the striking views that drew the couple to the site. The homeowners tapped architect Malcolm Davis of San Francisco–based Malcolm Davis Architecture to redesign and expand the dwelling without damaging the many established oak trees.

Kay’s timeless, Scandinavian-style teak frame gives a nod to the classic French cane wicker—making it at home in both traditional and contemporary settings.

Set on an east-west axis, the home stays cool with shading south-facing glass, minimal west-facing glass, and operable windows that allow for natural ventilation. Energy recovery ventilators also bring fresh air into the home.

In the woods of Malborghetto Valbruna in the Italian Dolomite commune of Tarvisio reside a pair of egg-shaped tree houses.

Concrete walls support the living space and elevate it from storm surges.