Nature Rich

The living room, where a large industrial-style window facilitates plenty of sunlight.

Casa Volta, located in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, sits among a lush landscape mere steps away from the Pacific Ocean. The almost 1,300-square-foot plan is made of six rectangular areas—alternating between open terraces and the three covered structures.

The inverted pyramid roof of Kloof 119A glows at night, creating a giant light box effect.

Located on the Imingfjell mountainside in Norway, this minimalist, 785-square-foot cabin features a "hood" in response to the climate and the region’s strict building regulations.

Corrugated Cor-Ten steel clads the entryway that connects the two cedar-clad wings.

Designed to mimic a natural gorge, the Iron Maiden House features rock-like building volumes bisected with river-like water features.

Because the architects wanted to showcase the view of one of the more majestic oaks on the property, they placed a lap pool below the tree so the mirror-like surface of the water would gracefully reflect its image.

Not only was extra living space necessary for the growing family of four, but the existing house also failed to take advantage of the striking views that drew the couple to the site. The homeowners tapped architect Malcolm Davis of San Francisco–based Malcolm Davis Architecture to redesign and expand the dwelling without damaging the many established oak trees.

A street view of the low-slung compound.