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Olive Passive House floor plan

The studio is wrapped in corrugated Cor-Ten steel, while the ends are composed of charred reclaimed cedar.

Architect Lia Maston designed the basement of this laneway house in Toronto’s Chinatown as a light and airy studio for her sister, artist Sara Maston.

The oak stairs and railings were built by the sisters’ carpenter father, Mikal, with the help of a contractor.

A closer inspection of the nondescript concrete exterior reveals bits of colored glass aggregate. “There’s a little universe in each block,” Lia says.

At the basement level, the home opens to a sunken courtyard that makes space for reading and contemplation.

Floor plan of The Art Bunker by Firma Architecture

Floor Plan of Tinyleaf by GO’C

Snow melt accumulated during the winter months drains off the roof to one side of the home with the help of an integrated scupper.

The architects added a cork wall behind the bed for a layer of warmth within the space.

The home is accessible year-round, although snowy winters and road closures make the trip from Seattle a bit longer during the colder months.

One of the benefits of building into the hillside is that Catherine and her dog, Lydia, are able to access the home's rooftop deck.

The light circuit runs off solar power, and the plumbing system uses rainwater for all sanitary requirements.

In 2003, Resolution: 4 Architecture was one of 16 firms who participated in the Dwell Home Design Invitational—a competition to design a modern prefab home for $200,000. Their winning design, constructed in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a groundbreaking case study that combines prefabricated construction with contemporary, modern design.

Wieler and Tung enjoy two of the home’s several decks.The home is clad in red cedar siding and features a multitude of view-enhancing windows by Loewen. The decking is composite wood by Trex.