Boathouse

The house's triangular shape effectively blocks sight of a large wall that stands nearby. "The form of the plan really follows out of making the best for the garden and the views," Koolhaas says.

Taking the idea of an outer wall, and the concept of a shoji screen, to an extreme end, Ban wrapped the open triangular space of this contemporary home with large drapes, which provide an almost surreal quiet in and separation from the vast metropolis.

Triangular–, square–, and diamond-shaped wooden boxes have magnets embedded into the sides so that they can join together to create endless geometric patterns that function as a super beautiful desktop organizer. Made by Japanese brand Colors, the MagContainers are available in Walnut, Japanese quince, and Tamo wood.

Here's another view of the terrace pulled back a bit. The sharp, triangular form of the building is echoed by the windows and lights. It's also rather low and small, emphasizing the human scale of the care given inside.

The 645-square-foot boat is built on a frame made of anodised, steel H-beams. The exterior is covered with pine slats. The bedroom has a custom double bed that overlooks the water.

Cedar slats help this Ontario lake house float soundly atop still waters. Photo by: Raimund Koch

Kajakhuset by In Praise of Shadows This “kayak house” is a sleek boathouse with a utilitarian interior that can be adapted for myriad other uses. Constructed like Legos from similar pieces of wood, the structure is capped by two glass doors.

Kayaks and windsurfing equipment are stored in the main cedar-clad volume.

The large windows let in fresh breezes and provide an opportunity for the owners to jump out of the house and into the water.

A bothouse in Georgian Bay, Ontario, by Weiss Architecture & Urbanism Ltd. is clad in black-stained resawn cedar.