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

Each level opens up to green space, creating a breezy, indoor/outdoor connection. Furniture by OKHA—the Hunt Sofa, the Nate, Nicci Nouveau, and Vince and Miles Armchairs—outfit the living spaces.

A swinging entrance door makes a bold first impression.

Home to Greg Truen, director of South African architecture and design firm SAOTA, Kloof 119A is a 9,150-square-foot residence in Cape Town that takes advantage of mountain and city views while de-emphasizing the street and neighboring homes. Kitchen joinery was done by Roma Casa Kitchens. Clerestory windows allow mountain views and light to drench the space.

Shady Business “What makes this house wonderful to live in is that the light is always, always changing,” says Pirman. Here, he adjusts shades fabricated by Unique Wholesale Distributors, which pull down in the morning when the sunlight is strongest.

Unique by KÜre Berven Fjeldsaa Photo by Blomqvist for Norwegian Icons

For the design seeker who has everything, consider the Kreten Side Table from Brooklyn–based Souda. The innovative studio uses unexpected manufacturing practices to create one-of-a-kind furniture and accessories. Sculptural and distinctive, the Kreten table makes a remarkable gift for the treasured design lover on your list.

The client's were motivated by sustainability as well. As the Aixopluc writes, "They'd rather spend money on the climatic qualities of their home than on enriching the big companies that control the energy business" by paying large gas or electric bills. The two firms cite the openness of the Case Study homes as an inspiration for the lower floor; the upper floor draws from Le Corbusier’s 1954-56 béton brut Maison Jaoul.

The clients, a family, did not want to spend their vacations traveling: in summer, they wanted their home to open to the outdoors. In winter, they wanted shelter from the cold. In short, as Fake Industries Architectural Agonism puts it, they "wanted a double house, so they could move from one half to the other" as they desired.

The folding doors leave the lower level totally exposed. A light steel frame structure kept construction simple and economical.

The reception lobby features a stunning bench by James Plumb. The cushion of a stripped-down sofa was removed and replaced with cast concrete.

The word “furtif” roughly translates to “stealth” in English, which explains the range’s B-2 Stealth Bomber matte black aesthetics. TB Groupe used the sophisticated technology in the blade to inform the handle’s unconventional geometry. The knife provides an interesting contrast with a traditional wood cutting board.

Rife with birth and fertility symbols, this 4' by 4'7" rug is unique to the group.

William Massie relaxes inside the utterly unique interior of his America House 08.

The patio café at Condesa df is framed by the hotel’s unique sliding balcony shades.

Visitors find unique writing environments throughout the gallery space. Photo by Robby Campbell

San Francisco’s modernists were faced with the issue of building within a firmly established stylistic tradition—think bay windows and gingerbread. Henry Hill’s 1947 renovation of a 1908 Victorian tucked away on an alley in historic Russian Hill provides a remarkable response to the dilemma.

�:�

dwell Residency: 119

Florence Knoll credenzas, with laminate tops designed by the architects, form a unique work station in the office.

CB2 Oracle Table Lamp ($119)

118. The capacity of white pine trees to sequester carbon 119. Where else to sink it

6920 Bonita Avenue in Joshua Tree, California, is currently listed for $2,119,999 by James Bianco of Coldwell Banker Realty.

Natural materials blend with contemporary furnishings in this unique, open living space.

Hella Jongerius / Jongeriuslab in Berlin

The shiny metallic ribbon lining the kitchens counters and cabinets make the space unique.

This unique built-in dining table is recessed into the floor, giving the room and table a seamless effect.

Full-height shelving lines the wood staircase, providing plenty of space for the homeowner's unique collections.

The unique window arrangement floors the space with light and improves the flow of air through the space.

“The steeply sloping site provides three unique spaces—the living attic, the pool deck, and the garden terrace.”

An outdoor bathing area adjoining the master bedroom was a unique request from the clients. Stone tub and terrazzo pavers

Around every corner it was common to spot unique shingle and roof color combos like this forest green and salmon house.

This unique plywood-and-slate combination makes a great choice for small bathrooms that require a corner bathroom vanity.

The Vidhan Bhawan, where the state legislature meets, is one of the more unique architectural statements in Mumbai. It was designed by Charles Correa.

Each Metallic Cocktail Glass ($29.99 for a set of four) bears a unique, architectural design.