Floor Plan of the Wooden Wedge by Douglas Peterson-Hui
In this Palm Springs duplex, for cabinet doors, the architect owner designed aqua blue plywood sliders that park at specific positions, fitting together like puzzle pieces. Contractor Franklin Pineda custom-built these cabinets using Baltic birch plywood from Anderson Plywood.
The ultra-flexible space easily transforms into a bedroom and work area, thanks to a clever wall system designed by the Modern Granny Flat team.
The millwork hides the bed and desk, but it also conceals the air conditioner. “Everything is integrated,” says Losada-Amor. “That’s what keeps it clean.” Even the garage door mechanism is hidden here.
Helsinki architect Ville Hara and designer Linda Bergroth collaborated on a prefab shed-meets-sleeping cabin, which can be assembled with little else than a screwdriver. Bergroth, inspired by nomadic yurt dwellers, wanted an indoor/outdoor experience for her property in Finland.
The exposed rafters were carried into the exterior areas, including the covered patio.
In turning the second level of the garage behind their duplex into a multifunctional workspace without breaking the bank, Kyle Huberty relied on friends, family, and the community at large.
Illustration by Lohnes + Wright
Floor plan of Pritchard Residence by Woodhull
Madison points out that the pod concept would make it easy to add an extension if necessary. “We see it as a house that can grow with us—and that we can pay for as we go along.”
Michael, Nick, and Crouton sit on the front steps of the Filomena.
The mix of plywood helped save on costs, adds visual interest to the space, and serves as an example for Tim’s clients.
A designer and her partner drywalled and plastered an arched motif in the main living area. The curved walls create separation between the open living spaces.
Unsure of how to light under the loft, Monica turned to a friend from the gym who works in lighting design. He helped her with the design, the installation, and even gifted her materials.
Brooke and Tobi found the dining table on Craigslist, from a Eugene carpenter who specializes in refinishing vintage furniture. The chairs and light are vintage, and the white oak banquette is designed by Boyer, with Brooke’s love of the Audo hotel for inspiration. “They have a dining area that has an insert in the back of the dining bench to lean photos and pictures,” says Brooke.
In the British countryside, Stirling Prize nominee Michael Dillon builds a tiny office as an exercise in low-carbon, low-cost construction.
“We love color and embracing Mexican design,” says Chuch Estudio Co-Founder Aranza García.
"It looks like an ordinary home, but there are decisions here that are out of the ordinary,
Floor Plan of Oak Cliff Casita by Best Practice Architecture
Solar power cells on top of the building collect energy that’s used for both water systems and electricity.
The landscaping was intended to be as low-maintenance as possible for professionally touring musicians. (Though during the pandemic, obviously, there is plenty of time for yard work.) The little covered veranda could act as a mini stage for backyard acoustic shows in the future.
Floor Plan of Beaver Creek Cabin by Outside Architecture
This elevated prefab cabin in the Chilean Andes has a buffer zone that helps protect it against harsh climatic conditions.
Lauren and Brittan Ellingson, the owners of Notice Snowboards, a custom snowboard and wakesurf company in Whitefish, Montana, approached Workaday Design and builder Mindful Designs to concoct a new lake home for their family. The brief was, perhaps unsurprisingly, focused on getting the family outdoors as much as possible.
The Impluvium Refuge is set in a dense, tall Chilean forest within the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve.
The dining table overlooks the light well at the center of the shelter.