ideas

Walls of double-pane, tempered, laminated glass surround the upper living space furnished with Tolomeo lights by Artemide, vintage midcentury chairs, and a custom-made redwood burl table.

Ten minutes from British Columbia’s prized Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas, this house is located on a small lot atop a hill. Embracing a vertical layout, the upper level is where the open living area, complete with sectional, wood-burning stove, marble island, and spacious dining table, is found. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the forest views are especially heady.

The stone wall and green roof shield the house from the nearby county road.

The most important aspect of designing this home was capturing the views from every angle. By placing the home on stilts, Herbst was able to make the best use of the surroundings.

Global firm Perkins+Will built a home on a 10,764-square-foot plot in São Paulo to revolve around the gardens, which take up 50% of the site. They designed the property around a large tree with an open plan in the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Waterproofing the tree was challenging, but a system was specially devised to keep water out of the house.

To combat the environmental impact of a shortage of green spaces in Ho Chi Minh City, local firm VTN Architecture designs homes with lush interiors. Stepping Park House exudes a greenhouse vibe with a plethora of trees and foliage spanning all three levels of the 5,081-square-foot abode.

Located on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands in Washington, the year-round retreat includes a new main house and six renovated cabins loosely arranged around a semi-circular lawn facing the beach.

"It is expected that the tree will strengthen the relationship between the family and the house, as if the tree is another member of the family," says Chikamori.

Surrounded by 1.2 acres of flat land, the contemporary residence is designed to frame a unique, long view of Los Angeles—as well as the mountains beyond.

Heating and cooling are essential for Yosemite's snowy winters and broiling summers. Glass walls along all sides of the clubhouse fold away to let air in—or slide shut to insulate the space from the temperature outside.

A street view of the low-slung compound.

The 753-square-foot retreat has two bedrooms and a bath, and takes advantage of its rocky site.

The architects created a simple, shed-like refuge so as to not detract from the surrounding environment.

Tall glass windows in the living room frame the view.