Boulder

The side patio presents an idyllic setting for entertaining, complete with unobstructed views of the nearby San Francisco Bay.

Minneapolis–based firm ALTUS Architecture + Design have designed a unique 2,850-square-foot residence in Woodland, Minnesota, by marrying glass-house architecture with a reflective "shiny" shed. The single-story property is primed for tranquility, as it sits on a peaceful woodland plateau and overlooks a lush wetland, as well as a calming lake in the distance.

In the master bedroom, a wooden accent wall with coat hooks on one side, serves as a partition for the bed.

The rough-hewn stone stairs that lead to the cottage were made by a local stone worker.

This region of Sweden is known for its artists and craftspeople, and the cottage was constructed entirely by local timber- and stone-workers. The stone stool on the deck was also made for the couple by one of their friends.

The cottage features a wraparound deck on three sides. A door leads from the kitchen to the deck, allowing easy access to the deck to enjoy a morning coffee.

The black paint on the exterior timber cladding is similar to “falu red”, a permeable red paint commonly used on wooden cottages and barns in Sweden, Finland, and Norway. The paint consists of water, rye flour, linseed oil, silicates, iron oxides, copper compounds, and zinc. When it is time to repaint the house, the old paint is simply brushed or scrubbed away.

“To soften the home, we introduced redwood highlights in the courtyard and at the roof decks.,” says McShane Murnane.

The studio’s A-frame window captures soaring views of the Los Angeles hillside.

Large sliders open to a deck primed for entertaining and taking in the breathtaking landscape.

The main entrance and landing area at the top of the funicular.

The clients for an existing home in Seattle approached Best Practice Architecture with a need to make space for an aging family member, but the home on-site was already filled to the brim. The firm's answer was to expand the existing detached garage into a gracious and airy living suite. The architects worked with the natural, six-foot slope of the site and built the Granny Pad into the hill to gain the needed interior height. The volume on the right is the original garage footprint, which now houses a kitchen and sitting room. The added volume on the left hosts the bedroom, as well as a bathroom beneath the loft space.

“This inspiring estate offers a luxurious lifestyle within a serene country retreat. What sets this residence apart is the impressive craft home brewery, which has been created with every luxury a beer aficionado could desire. The property’s functionality and privacy are matched by its close proximity to Asheville, offering the discerning homeowner the best of both worlds.” — Scott McKenzie, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty