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Built into the floor of Santiago’s upper level is a catamaran-style lounging net—the perfect perch for taking in views of the rolling countryside.

Netting and voids also help fill the home with daylight from above.

Full of bohemian soul, the heritage neighborhood of Fitzroy in Melbourne is known as a real estate hot spot. But rather than capitalize on their block and exploit a vacant garden east of their property, the family of four who own King Bill decided to create a new pocket park to bring more greenery to the streetscape. When it came time to renovate their double-story terrace home, the owners sought out local studio Austin Maynard Architects—a firm known for its sustainable ethos—who incorporated the empty garden to the east, and an old stable at the rear, to the new floor plan. A large, curved, sliding wall separates the master bathroom from an open net lounge area above the study.

When Marieken Verheyen and Martin Hansen found a dilapidated vicarage after three years of searching for the right property, their friends warned them against purchasing it. Dating back to 1870, the farm—a home, barn, and two stables situated at the edge of a national park—featured overgrown gardens, derelict buildings, and haphazard repair work done by inexperienced builders. The artist couple from Amsterdam, however, were determined to realize their dream of creating a sustainable holiday destination that would celebrate simplicity and modern architecture. It took another three years for the couple to transform the complex into Re:hof Rutenberg. There are eight accommodations dotting the property in addition to a multipurpose barn, sauna, and farm shop. There are plenty of playful touches—a hammock hung between beams, accessible from the mezzanine, provides a sunny spot to lounge.

The front of the terrace now houses a guest bedroom and (pictured here) the teenage son's bedroom. Taking advantage of the high ceiling, the architects added a suspended platform bed space, a lounging net, and a hatch that leads up to a “secret” roof space.

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.

Some rooms come with hammocks, and there's even a "Hammock Tower" for rooftop lounging.

A classic piece like this Eames lounge chair appears dressed down next to a hammock in the office space. Also featured are wooden office chairs by Norman Cherner.

Indoor hammock that can be hung up when not in use

Working in tech, Antony doesn’t need much stuff, so his side is easy to convert from work to play. He can easily move his desk and hang the hammock or train dead-hangs for climbing.

A hammock swings in one of the bedrooms.

A litter box is tucked away in a pull-out drawer, so the family can bring their furry friend along on adventures.

Ibbel, a Parson Russell terrier, and his tennis ball survey the living room from the back of a Cuba sofa by Rodolfo Dordoni for Cappellini. The framed drawings are by Poorter and Holdrinet.

The acclaimed Italian designers Ludovica + Roberto Palomba carved a serene retreat out of a 17th-century oil mill in Salento.

Rocks dug up during construction were saved and incorporated into the poured-concrete floors and walls. Hydronic heating coils in the floor are augmented by a wood stove during the damp winters.

The architects incorporated sustainably sourced parota wood into the living room’s sunken seating area. The Turn Tall side table is from Blu Dot, and the pillows are from West Elm.

A planter is integrated under the open staircase leading to the upper floor, and a skylight in the roof illuminates the stairwell.

The Terrace Theatre, designed by Twin Cities–based firm Liebenberg and Kaplan, incorporated a sunken lounge into its design.