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Double-glazed windows are an important feature that help control the building’s interior climate.

The architects specified an aluminum roof that “ghosts” the structure—it’s a material that recalls the typical use of corrugated metal on agricultural buildings, yet it subtly contrasts with the historic form. “It’s not quite what you’d use on a normal barn,” says Powell.

The seashell concrete technique used for the floors came from a casual conversation over beers. Someone suggested mixing seashells directly into the staircase concrete, creating what José describes as "the most gorgeous thing you can find—all full of seashells embedded in the concrete." 

Eighteen insulated concrete panels, each a different size and shape, were trucked to the site and hoisted into place over three days. The outlines of eight of these panels can be seen when the house is viewed from the southwest.

At Las Rocas, architect Ignacio Urquiza and interior designer Ana Paula de Alba sought to integrate nature as much as possible—allowing existing rock formations to define the space complemented by minimalist design elements.

Set in Kyoto’s historic district, this serene one-bedroom machiya has exposed beams, new wood floors, and an updated kitchen and bath.

Asked if he has a favorite aspect of the space, Paleari doesn’t hesitate. “For me, for sure, it’s the light.”

“This living room, with its tapered shape, is a bit expressionist,” Maria writes in a new book about the apartment. “It’s clear to me that Umberto’s first rule was to breach the rigidity of right angles.”

Whether it’s cross-country skiing in the winter or trail running in the summer, the 330-foot home’s minimalist design encourages Catherine to be outside in the surrounding landscape throughout the year.