Twenty-foot-wide doors from Solar Innovations offer easy access to the deck. “Solar Innovations was the only manufacturer at that time that had a pocket multi-slider with a good ADA threshold,” says architect Erick Mikiten. “They almost look like steel, but are thermally broken aluminum.”

With its easy access, the flat roof is never hard to maintain.

The mother takes up residence in the basement area, which enjoys access to the backyard garden where the children often play. Terrazzo flooring with a cowhide rug create a slightly retro-glam look.

Just beyond the pergola's reach, a narrow pool is heated by direct sunlight.

The front door is accessed by a 'floating' concrete bridge that bisects the two wings of the house.

Jorge’s office is on the basement level which provides easy access to the outside.

In the back, ivy climbs across the garage’s raw cedar cladding next to a gate that allows access to the laneway—but the boys prefer to climb the fence.

Master Bedroom A former hayloft, located above the stables for the horses that pulled hearses for the funeral home, has become a quiet retreat, with blackout shades and a custom fireplace combining to make it cozy even in the dead of a Chicago winter. The space contains a Shell Chair by Hans Wegner on the left, along with an array of Ikea pieces. Photo by Morlen Sinoway

The LV’s master bedroom has direct outdoor access, like every other room in the house. Bed by IKEA.

The bedroom contains an ingenious closet system similar to library stacks. These large sliding cabinets open up to make way for Zulaikha and Laurence as they hang their clothes or access anything else kept in storage.

All kitchen appliances, cupboards, and counters have been united in a single, self-contained island, designed in collaboration with Bulthaup. The architects wanted unfussy space and they rejected easy-access overhanging cabinets. "There's an emphasis on convenience in the world that is all about numbing things," says Alan Koch.

David Hertz shows how he used a pre-fabricated panels typically used for walk-in refrigeration buildings for the Panel House (above) and a 747 wing to build the 747 Wing House in Malibu.

Here's a view from the second floor, which is accessed via a ladder from the charcoal gray mezzanine.

Access into the garden is through the side of the kitchen and not the rear. This means the rear is protected for wildlife and the family do not have to go through the garden to access the BBQ and hard landscaping.

Access

A late-1960s spiral stair designed by an aeronautical engineer to lead passengers to the bar inside a 747. From Off the Wall Antiques.

A bridge spans the home’s steep site for street access.

On the third floor guests enjoy access to a covered swimming pool.

Pierre Kozely mends his bike on a patio in the rear yard, seen from their garage—which was transformed into a media room. Behind him is a Cor-Ten rolling gate that gives access to the back alley.

The renovation greatly improved the home's access to natural light and cooling breezes.

Filled with ample natural light and terrace access, this bedroom also includes an adjoining bath.

The children’s bedroom features access to the refinished outdoor deck

Behind the bathroom wall is the bedroom, which features sliding glass doors with access to a private deck.

The interior features concealed storage for convenient access to daily essentials and outdoor gear.

The home is accessed from the west, where the garage is hidden behind a charred timber door.

Designed for an artist and entrepreneur client, this guest house features lots of light, access to the outdoors, and an industrial vibe.

The mirrored villa rests on 43-foot-high pillars and is accessed via a long wooden staircase.

Each bedroom has two access doors, which close completely flush for a clean appearance.

The new addition opens the interiors to the garden with floor-to-ceiling windows and easy access to the yard.

The Big Space was updated with new skylights and a roof hatch with a staircase that provides access to the roof.

Every room can be directly accessed from the garden. The house has six entrances in total.

The built-in bench that borders the cantilevered bed features two storage drawers and a hatch that accesses an additional storage compartment.

Natural light was very important for homeowners, incorporated though plentiful clerestory glass and indoor-outdoor access.

The open-plan ground floor allows the communal spaces to flow into one another. A wooden ladder accesses the lofted bedrooms.

You would be hard pressed to find an issue of Dwell without a Bertoia barstool or chair in it. Launched in 1952, the industrial-strength steel seat is a modern classic without drawing too much attention to itself. $747

Surrounded by forest and accessed via a fairy-tale bridge, the resilient forever home showcases the strength of cross-laminated timber.