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"In Ahmedabad, we find the light very sharp and harsh at times," says SPASM Design. Strategic shading is ensured with the slatted roof treatment.

A roof of horizontal slats filters the harsh light and creates moody shadows.

Some of the stone on the facade was broken by hand for textural contrast and utility. "Rough cuts perpendicular to the building face cause incident shadows, hence cooling the face and creating an ever-changing rhythm of shadows and light," describe the architects.

Wood accents are used throughout as a counterpoint to the texture and cream color of the Dhrangadhra stone. This material mix starts at the entry.

Nestled in the jungle of São Paulo, Casa de Vidro (or Glass House) was the first built project by architect Lina Bo Bardi. Its glass volume stands on thin support columns that allow greenery to grow into the home.

Set between three large cedars, the fourth one grows straight up through the second bedroom.

Julie and Chris Hill’s home in Austin is built around a pair of massive oak trees, one of which shoots through an ipe deck, past a pair of Loll deck chairs, and into a void in the overhanging roof. “The hole also allows light to penetrate deeper into the house,” notes designer Kevin Alter.

Julie and Chris Hill’s home in Austin is built around a pair of massive oak trees, one of which shoots through an ipe deck, past a Loll deck chair, and into a void in the overhanging roof. “The hole also allows light to penetrate deeper into the house,” notes designer Kevin Alter. A limestone brick wall mirrors the curves of the Western red cedar roof, the edges of which are coated in stucco.

An existing brick wall was dismantled, cleaned, and rebuilt to celebrate its patina . It now showcases an artwork by Blake Boyd.

Two sets of custom Cécile & Boyd’s sectional sofas demarcate sitting areas in the living room. Eclipse nesting tables by Stua sit atop a cream-colored wool rug from Fibre Designs.

Karen and Richard Barrow’s waterfront apartment in Cape Town, South Africa, was created by Cécile & Boyd’s. The firm used many furnishings of their own design for the project, including two custom-made sectional sofas, a wood-and-metal coffee table, a collection of glass vases, and the brass floor lamps. The two natural leather chairs are from B&B Italia.

From the office, a high window frames a view of the Moumings’ fields.

A good dose of inspiration from Luis Barragán turned a dark and beleaguered midcentury house into a family home for the ages. The paint colors chosen by the residents and architect Linda Taalman are American Cheese and Blushing Bride, both by Benjamin Moore, creating a tapestry of color and texture.

Hynam built additional storage along one angled wall of the bedroom loft and beneath the skylight.