Modern Retreats in the Forest

Photo courtesy...

In Japan, where the average life span of a building is about 25 years, using basic materials like plywood was essential...

Uninspired by the loft options in downtown Portland, Oregon, the Andréns opted to design and build their own...

Though the house sits cozily at the back of a birch forest clearing, Zhidkov says no trees were cut during construction.

The Heids incorporated mostly native plants into the courtyard, which Andrew designed as an ovoid decagon.

The Birch Pavilion sits atop a 14-by-26-foot platform composed of hemlock and pressure-treated timbers.