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Drywall masks the shipping container’s raw edges inside the cabin.

The kitchen area has room for eating, and plenty of storage.

The cabin rests atop the foundation of a previous cabin on the family’s property.

Conserving water and energy was a top priority when designing the cabin.

The furniture was sourced from local shops in Cape Town.

Horne’s mother chose to decorate the interior with lighter woods and dark walls. The dramatic contrast pairs well with the breathtaking views.

Floor Plan of Klein-Hangklip Shipping Container House

Concerned about the chemicals involved in laminate flooring, the couple chose to leave the concrete slab, the foundation of the home, exposed, almost eliminating flooring expenses. A local craftsman made the windows, using Texas pine for framing. The floor-to-ceiling windows, Pavonetti says, reduces the couple's need for lights.

In the living room, Myers combined the client’s existing camel leather from Room & Board with a vintage WC Gerard van den Berg-style loveseat, found at the L.A.-based store Amsterdam Modern. The rug is the Joelle from Lulu and Georgia, and the overhead light a Petite Friture Vertigo Pendant. “The living room is really special, especially in the early evening when the room is filled with the light coming in from the sunset,” says Alexandra. “Nothing beats a Texas sunset.” The artwork is by Alexandra’s friend.

The Thompson Canopy Bed is from Maiden Home, with white oak Jameson nightstands by Faithful Roots. The custom wall hanging is Woven by Ro, and is combined with prints from the Block Shop. The sconces are Circa Lighting’s Lancelot Pivoting Light.

Alexandra has filled the shelves with “a collection of both new and found things,” says the homeowner. “I have always collected ceramics from my travels and local artists, so I love having a way to put these on display to remind me of good memories.” The collection here includes Uzumati Ceramic Bodie Mugs from Saffron & Poe, a Virginia Sin bowl, a Bloomist vase, and Janet Kojima ceramics.

Shane Michael Pavonetti, an Austin-based architect and contractor, and his wife, Holly, built their eco-friendly home on a lean budget of $175,000. The cedar siding used on the exterior reappears throughout the house. Keen on recycling the wood, the couple added shelving to their kitchen as well.

Floor Plan of Palms Residence by Olson Kundig

The Patton New-Century house is designed for indoor-outdoor living, with the great room and bedrooms looking out onto a pool and outdoor courtyard.

The Douglas-fir-clad ceiling extends from indoors outward to form a covered walkway, which cantilevers over the small culvert running beneath the house.

The dining table area sits at the meeting point between the two wings, with the Douglas fir ceiling spilling downward to form an entire wall (showcasing a painting by Zhou Hongbin).

The custom walnut screen takes its geometric cue (at a 90-degree tilt) from the wide bricks used for the fireplace and kitchen island.

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.