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Architect Rafe Maclean designed and built a certified Passive House for his family of four in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand, for $708,000 NZD, or around $477,000 USD.

The house that stood on the lot before was the same square footage as just one townhome, but Chris was able to maximize the amount of usable outdoor space by adding backyards and a garden between his and Miranda’s unit and the street.

Cristián created slots in the rear facade so that each home’s primary bedroom could have three exposures. The voids also allowed him to install skylights that illuminate the ground floor. The detailing of the ribbed exterior was adapted from a large institutional building designed by his father—“really almost a cut and paste,” says Cristián. The overhang at the rear of the building offers partial cover for the private walled patio that each family enjoys.

The back deck features an outdoor shower designed by Scott. Made of stainless steel and brass components, it uses a garden watering nozzle for the shower and foot-wash heads.

Although synthetic slate roof tiles have been around since the 1970s, the way architect Stephen Bruns used them to completely clad Woven House is unusual. "I love this material," says Bruns. "The way light reflects off the tiles creates a specular effect, almost like a mosaic." That reflective quality is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows by Loewen.

While the new facade is swathed in black stucco, it maintains elements of the original carriage house, which is hidden within the wall. Beyond the grounding stucco base, Healey designed two white volumes to be seen above, teasing the idea that more exists beyond the entry point.

Lambert & Fils lights are suspended over the island.

A multi-family complex, Saint Thomas/Ninth, brings contemporary form to the historic Irish Channel neighborhood.

How to Build an Affordable America: There are as many solutions to the country’s housing crisis as there are causes. We need them all.

More than 60 plant species were used in the layered design.

The Steins wanted the street-facing exterior to match neighboring houses. “It should be organic,” says Elena, while on the private side they felt “free to do what we like” and have expansive windows with garden views. The

The House for Booklovers and Cats by BFDO Architects

Project Name: Dawnsknoll