Windows

The alley where the house is located dates to the 19th century and still had cast-iron infrastructure beneath it. “We had to pinch ourselves,” says Jack. “The cost of running utilities from the perimeter streets is often a deal-breaker in alley development.”

A sideboard in olive green from Montana Furniture stands against the wall in the dining area, which includes Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn. Artwork on the wall, from left to right, by: Akiko Mori, Fredrik Karell, Linda Linko, Anna Niskanen.

The choice of eye-catching brescia verde marble elevates the home design above the office spaces.

The energy efficient design relies on a wood-burning stove for chilly days, otherwise sunlight, and operable windows and doors take care of most of the heating and cooling.

Located in Matadepera, Spain, this 1,539-square-foot house for a family of four is composed of nine modules for a flexible yet private living space.

High-performance design doesn’t necessarily mean importing your windows from Austria; these are from Marvin. An abundance of natural light reduced the number of decorative lighting fixtures needed.

"I never thought a house would teach me so much,' Luisa says.