dwellings small

"The forest outside our windows brings us joy from the moment we wake up in the morning," says Jonah, "while we watch the hawks and birds and drink our coffee to the period of dusk when the deer pass through on their evening foraging and the fox come out of hiding."

“The land has a lot of variety and geology,” so nature had to be the main attraction, says Braithwaite. Lofty clerestory windows are positioned to capture light in the morning and evening and also help regulate the temperature.

Floor Plan of Saltbox Cabin by Jeff Waldman & Molly Fiffer of Elevated Spaces

Greg Knapp and Robyn Traynor worked with architect Peter Braithwaite to design a nature retreat for their family on a slice of Canadian wilderness. It has two shed-roofed structures joined by a boardwalk elevated above a preexisting walking path on the couple’s land.

In warmer weather, the family can leave the doors wide open, connecting the deck with the living space. “In the afternoons, the soft light floods into the living pavilion,” Greg says. “The place captures light in a special way, whether reflecting off the hemlock fascia or streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.”

Steele and Evan designed the Pod for a range of environments including on rural properties, eco resorts, and in suburban backyards.

Simple life simple house

Getting the hammock installed posed a bit of a challenge. Adair and Kopp found it tough to find a company to help with executing their idea. “It’s interesting to know that if you want to do something with a little bit of risk, it really takes some convincing,” says Adair. With the help of a U.S.-based company that dealt with large-scale net facilities, they got a group together and lashed the whole perimeter to create a safe, sturdy, supportive weaving.

In the Los Ríos region, Hebra Arquitectos perched this H-shaped house on pillars to make its interior feel like a tree house.

Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP used 87 translucent bricks to reframe a family’s connection to nature and the city.

The outdoor dining nook echoes the interior curves in the back corner of the garden. "Built-in seats just generally give you more space, basically,

Pale blue tones and peekaboo elements built into the joinery meet reeded glass to imbue the kids' room with a calm atmosphere.

The terrace is a favorite gathering place. The house is positioned facing south to get the most sun exposure.

Previously a disused vestibule, now the heart of the home: the refreshed dining booth now serves as the "visual crossroads