Idea Box

Constructed on land he had owned for years, this tiny cabin is also totally green.

Upon his first visit to Tasmania, an island south of the Australian mainland, resident David Burns was immediately smitten with its varied, pristine landscape. Working with architecture firm Misho+Associates, he built a self-sustaining, 818-square-foot retreat that would allow him to completely unplug from urban life.

The house clearly displays its Sea Ranch–style touches.

The 1950 Eichler home in Palo Alto, California, that Ogawa Fisher Architects renovated for a family of five features a cool gray facade punctuated by a bright orange front door.

A soaking tub in the primary bedroom looks out into the treetops.

Set on 41 private acres, this sculptural home by Charles Gwathmey revolves around a massive double-height living room.

Architect Ana Smud’s residence in the Vicente López suburb of Buenos Aires is surrounded by gardens and wrapped in timber, concrete, and glass.