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Designed by Arba, the retreat’s enclosed garden provides outdoor space out of the wind while the cuts give it a strong connection with the setting.

The kitchen is open to the living room. “I do the cooking,” says Clint, “so if I’m in the kitchen and Robyn is in the lounge, we’re still together.” The countertops are Carrara marble from Cannata. The pendant is from Arc Lighting and the appliances are from Smeg. The bar stools are from Chair Crazy.

The suburban backyard garage in Hertfordshire, England, that architect Olli Andrew of Hyper converted into a work studio is wrapped in charred larch wood pieces that give the impression of scales and foster biodiversity, providing a place for insects to nestle.

There’s now a wood-paneled entry alcove inside the new front door, with a built-in bench, storage, and coat hooks.

Blue Savoy marble from Coastal Tile lines the floor.

Large stones, mature bamboo, fountains, and acacia trees create a Zen-inspired backyard. Other notable amenities of the property include a large lap pool, detached guest house, and a two-car garage.

Within the hut, the architects have utilized every inch of available space, including incorporating secret cubby holes into the children's bunkbeds.

Connected to the private dining room is a small bar, which used to be part of the public bathrooms on the ground floor. William Morris wallpaper and a brass faucet from Signature Hardware create contrast against the moody paint. The wall sconce is by In Common With.

An outdoor fireplace and courtyard create what Twohill calls a distinct “territory” between the main house (right) and the new addition while maintaining privacy for both dwellings. “The courtyard is particularly important because the family loves being on the ground,” he says. The stools are from Martin’s furniture company.

Flooding is a constant threat in subtropical New South Wales, so Casey Johnston (pictured, with sons Raph and Ozzy) and husband Martin asked architect Justin Twohill to design a backyard house that could weather a downpour with minimal cleanup.

“Where most would use chicken wire and a box design, the clients wanted the chicken coop to complement the architecture of the house,” says architect Cavin Costello. “So, the coop uses some elements of the main house, with the rusted, corrugated metal shed roof and vertical brise-soleil. It’s a chicken coop design that can stand up to the elements of living in the desert.”

Nestled amongst native Araucaria trees, the cabin and its three elevated decks were carefully sited so as not to disturb any existing trees, which are protected by Chilean law. "This area is the only place on the planet where the Araucaria pine grows,

The bunks and ladders were specially designed by the architects for the cabin, as were the low credenzas found in the playroom and the living room below.

The upper-level playroom contains four sets of built-in bunkbeds to house children of many generations who often visit the cabin. "We wanted to have a second living room, but for the kids,

The tiles used for the fireplace are Circlet from the Cuenca collection by Syzygy and are handmade in New Mexico. “It’s nice to find and use finishes that are not super trending, and this tile is my favorite in the house for that reason,” says architect Nicholas Fiore. “Also, they remind me of vinyl records and music, which is always great!”

The parlor features a white oak window seat that receives eastern morning light.