Favorites

The architects oriented the house, and the porch’s largest opening, toward the east to optimize natural light and views toward the hillside.

With large openings on three sides, Brooks says it’s almost like a 180 degree view. And while traditional porches might feature railings, they kept the edges wide open to enhance clear views in all directions.

“The feeling of being inside while connected to the environment was really important to us,” says Brooks. “And so the surrounding landscape had a really big impact on everything that we did with the house.”

“The cube is the most efficient volume you can make,” says Brooks. That’s part of the reason they explored the boxy design, setting the house on the crest of a hill in upstate New York.

The re-design retains the origina; irori (sunken hearth) that families would gather around.

TKTK A built-in table, opened up etc

The couple's tastes were for the contemporary and industrial, including a kitchen system manufactured in Germany.

Inspired by Donald Judd’s minimalist works, the three volumes feature board-formed concrete walls accented with charred wood. Shown here, the tallest contains four double-height bedrooms, each with a “tapanco,” or loft, for sleeping or reading.

Though the mild climate allows for alfresco meals year-round, an outdoor fireplace adds warmth on cool evenings. Charred wood paneling can be seen along the wall.

Maria Milans del Bosch’s Catskills home is attuned to the changing seasons. Sunlight pours into the double-height living room, where a Stûv fireplace and radiant floors keep the space warm in winter.

A converted attic in a turn-of-the-century building in Berlin’s Charlottenburg neighborhood asks over $4 million. If you’re looking for a modern retreat in an old-world setting, cast your sights on this charming loft in the west Berlin neighborhood of Charlottenburg, known for its distinguished selection of shopping, dining, theaters, and museums.

Homeowner and general contractor Clint Unander redesigned his dated Santa Barbara ranch to be a bright, airy home that combines classic California style with Scandinavian minimalism.

The picture window drops to the floor, so as to make the connection between inside and out more fluid. Kaplan divided the backyard into two sections, with the portion against the window imagined as a “quiet, Zen garden made of sedum,” says the architect.

Without propane, this dwelling in Big Sur would not have been able to take advantage of the stunning landscape.

Michele Karpé and her husband, John Andrews, spent years dreaming about building a retreat on their remote Santa Ynez property.