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Retractable fabric doors save space and add a hit of texture and warmth. “There’s a feeling of surprise when you pull one open,” says Maciagowski. “You don’t really know what the doors lead to.” (These doors are repeated in the downstairs workspace as well.)

Architect Eduardo Mediero (seated) in the apartment he shares with his partner, Pelayo del Pozo.

Keep founders Austin and Kotono Watanabe revived a compact home in Minneapolis with a dazzling kitchen, an all-electric upgrade, and a clerestory “scoop.”

AbleNook is a Florida-based prefabricated, flat-pack home kit made from aircraft-grade aluminum framing and structural insulated panels (SIPs). Although it started out as an architecture school project, it was later patented through the University of South Florida and makes for an affordable ADU starting at $75,000. Use it as a main residence, eco-friendly second home, or Airbnb. They’re also designed to be potential disaster relief, as they’re ready for just about any terrain or weather conditions, including Florida’s hurricane winds. It’s also expandable to accommodate a range of sizes.

When the Ferguson Sauder family—parents Meg, a school counselor, and Tim, a design instructor, plus kids Cole, Olive, and Asher—wanted a multifunctional backyard addition, they decided to build it themselves. Two Liftoff chairs by Tim Miller, one of Tim’s former students, surround an oil-drum fire pit set in granite dug up on the property. On the deck, the Panamericana chair is by Industry of All Nations.

The new, attached ADU is rented out as a passive source of income that is helping Amanda finance the project.

A sauna, a substantial part of Finnish culture, is featured in each of the three suites.

The bathroom features a washbasin, toilet, and shower.

The structure minimized its impact on the land, especially in comparison with traditional construction methods, by leveraging the Mega Anchor footing system for the building’s foundation.

The dining area can be transitioned into a Murphy bed at night.

Another view of the master bath courtyard, which is lined with Eco Arbor Designs deck tiles and features a ceramic Peanut planter by John Follis for Architectural Pottery from Vessel.

The roof garden, which offers sweeping views of Berlin, plays with volumes at different heights to create varying spaces and vantage points.

The pool is located in the rear yard, where the Hollywood Sign can be seen.

Jennifer requested the Japanese-style outdoor soaking tub, but it’s enjoyed by the whole family. It was built by J&K Cedar Works for around $6,500.

Kelly Milford helps son Adam out of the hot tub nestled on a wood deck in back of the house. The exterior paint is Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore.

designed by Estúdio Minke

In Grey Lynn, an Auckland suburb, architect Richard Naish shook up the notion of the Victorian villa that is pervasive here by building a trifecta of pavilions separated by courtyards and "garden rooms." The western red cedar facade is offset by the roof's black galvanized corrugated steel.