Smart house

A series of ladders and cantilevered staircases connect the four-story home from the exterior, offering a dramatic cascading view of the water.

Nestled into a steeply sloped waterfront site on Lake Michigan, the home is defined by verticality.

The 1936 Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House in Madison, Wisconsin, marks the first Usonian-style home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

design development rendering: view toward entry courtyard [eichler addition + renovation // orange, california]

Nakamura Residence is a minimal home located in Kochi, Japan, designed by Kidosaki Architects Studio. The frontage features a windowless concrete facade that is complemented by a series of wooden lattices that serve as the entryway. The staircase is built into the wall, and features a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic. The rear of the home features large windows in every room, maximizing natural light and outside exposure that is otherwise restricted from the front of the building.

"The most challenging part of the design was fusing the old part of the house with the new addition," says principal architect Alex Terry. The character and architectural integrity of the single-level 1950s ranch house was thoughtfully reconsidered during the addition and remodel. The home’s front porch, typical of the period, was refreshed with Ipe decking and railing.

Rian and Melissa Jorgensen's 2 Bar House in Menlo Park boasts all the usual green design suspects: energy-efficient lighting, good insulation, renewable material finishes, radiant heat, and the roof is pre-wired for future PV panels. Executed by Feldman Architecture, the house requires only natural lighting during the day which keeps energy costs way down. Still, the most stunning aspect of the green design is the living roof planted with succulents, aloe, viviums, and ice plants. "I'm absolutely glad that we did it," says Melissa. "It turned out so well and I really enjoy sitting up there and taking advantage of it as much as I can. It's very peaceful." Read more about this total remodel here.

Solar panels catch the sun's energy; wide expanses of open doors and windows provide cross-ventilation; and strategic overhangs shade against the desert's endless heat.

another diagonal view across the greenhouse from the entrance of one wing to the entrance of the other. off set wings. path connects to other wing. stairs are repurposed stairs from a winery instillation. stair to nowhere to water the plants to water the greenhouse. 20 something feet tall. or a perch. reflection spot.

The Kenneth and Phyllis Laurent House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, features a solar hemicycle footprint. Image courtesy of Wright Auction House.

Using the same materials inside and out: Cedar T&G siding, buff sandstone and bronze accents the line between inside/outside is blurred.

Architect: Augustus Mino + Robert Fitzpatrick, Location: Chappaqua, New York

Living / dining area.

Day takes a swim in a new lap pool framed by a lush Southern California garden. The lower wall next to the pool is made from stacked Pennsylvania bluestone, which was used for all exterior stone as well.

The interiors of many of Mickey Muennig’s houses emphasize natural building materials such as wood, concrete, and stone.

As the house is situated on a steep slope, visitors enter only to be whisked upstairs to the main living space. The facade was designed by Bob Hatfield in 1996. A new glass and steel door, designed by Chris Deam and fabricated by Sand Studios, was added in the renovation.

Ryan Anderson of RAD Furniture designed the stools as well as the table and benches on the pool deck.