Material Breakdown

DS House provides its inhabitants with a relaxed, private atmosphere. Planned Living Architects' extensive use of timber complements the raw, tactile character of the in situ concrete walls.

The custom Bulthaup kitchen is outfitted with Gaggenau appliances and Caesarstone countertops.

Link Farm House by Slade Architecture

To avoid excavating the land, Pang and Boyle designed a structural platform to keep the cabin level.

Rode House was designed by Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen of Chilean practice Pezo von Ellrichshausen. Its half-moon shape protects residents from ocean winds, and it’s oriented to overlook the unique landscape of Chiloé Island. The roof is covered with thin wooden shingles, which contrast with a generous amount of timber.

This bathroom, tiled in bright blue mosaic to offset the home’s limited materials and color palette, calls for a simple vanity. The sinks, toilets, and tubs are by Villeroy & Boch, while the faucets and towel rails are by Grohe and Avenir, respectively.

In Singapore, architect Ling Hao wrapped this entire house in greenery, which becomes the facade. The owner grew up in a rural environment and enjoys living among plants, rain puddles, and even the insects and wildlife that find their way here.

The entrance to home is defined by two Foo dogs, which are feng shui symbols of protection—and these dogs also give the home its name. The board-formed concrete of the main living wing has been left as is, creating a play of constantly changing shadows. Over time, weather will naturally soften these joints, and the look of the home will subtly evolve.

Located in Los Altos, California, Curt Cline's modern house seeks to respect the neighborhood fabric. By keeping the abode low-slung, using a few simple geometries, and the leaving the facade spare, Cline helped the structure blend in with the 1940s and 1950s structures around it. The materials—board-formed concrete and cedar slats—instill a contemporary California aesthetic.

These wood-wrapped spaces take oriented strand board to new heights.

One of the most effective ways to conserve resources is to keep your home warm without overly relying on heating mechanisms. A smart way to prevent heat loss is to incorporate eco-friendly insulation materials made with natural fibers such as cork, wood fiber, or sheep’s wool. Though this change may be a little more inconvenient and costly that the others, it will certainly help you save on heating bills in the long run.