Favorites

“We pulled apart one volume and staggered it along the buildable area of the property,” says architect Matthew Ahlberg of Portland firm Barrett Made. The home is clad in unfinished cedar, meant to weather over time.

“We bought the land not knowing what we could build or where. It’s off by itself and pretty isolated,” says Jeff.

The bathroom has been decorated in neutral colours to help create a clutter-free sanctuary. Hidden storage is built into the ceiling above.

Place a cactus or succulent in your bathroom if you want all the benefits of greenery but not much of the work.

Architect Johan Sundberg looked to Japanese architects like Kengo Kuma for inspiration for the design of a holiday home in southern Sweden. "We call it the Katsura typology, but that's probably sacrilegious," he says. The eaves of the gently sloped hipped roof extend generously in all directions, turning the deck into a covered retreat that’s part veranda, part engawa, the Japanese version of a porch.

Black cedar siding gives way to bright interiors in the idyllic Highland Bungalow.

The Paul Agnew cast fireplace sits on a Kyash Cubes concrete plinth, to create definition between the living room, and kitchen and dining zones in the open plan. It being double-sided ensures that it can be enjoyed in the round. Placing the cooktop in the island was a specific request from the client. “They wanted to be able to talk to their guests while they cooked,” says Crisp. “It’s actually a small request that has a surprisingly big effect when entertaining and adds to the drama of the room.”

Small patios with bistro folding chairs adjoin each bedroom, filling the spaces with natural light.

Greenery brightens a patch of outdoor space just off the main bathroom.

The tiny bathroom got a makeover with a walk-in shower, porcelain tiles, and a Corian countertop.

Even the bathroom has been elegantly transformed into exhibition space.