Photo by Tom Bies

The Kinuta N–SS01 bookshelf is inspired by umbrella and shoe racks near the entrances of Japanese temples and Shrines.

This understated ceiling fan from Big Ass Fans is injected with circuitry that makes it nearly autonomous. Under the Haiku fan’s minimalist exterior, sensors monitor the room’s humidity and temperature to keep air flowing for an ideal interior climate.

A ceiling fan that slashes energy bills in June and January might seem implausible, but Big Ass Solutions products work intelligently with HVAC systems for comprehensive sustainability. In summer, they reduce homeowners' reliance on air conditioning units. In winter, they push rising heat downward, producing energy savings as high as 30 percent.

The WS-J02 jacket is engineered with a minimal profile and weight while still retaining warmth. The WS-B01 pants are lightweight, breathable and made to endure any and all everyday adventures. waltersky.com/col... waltersky.com/col...

Their creative confections may ruin our diets, but we’re happy to be their taste testers anytime.

Delta Shelter, Mazama, Washington, 2002. Photo by Tim Bies/Olson Kundig Architects.

Delta Shelter, designed by Tom Kundig. Photo by Tim Bies, Olson Kundig Architects.

Montecito Residence - Tom Kundig / Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects

A Rolling Hut. Photo by Tim Bies, Olson Kundig Architects.

A built-in light is also available as an option, which can be set to turn on at certain times as a wake-up alarm, or to make your home look occupied while you’re away.

The air foil-like blades are made of compressed bamboo that, the manufacturer says, are as strong as steel.

Inside a Rolling Hut by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects, a metal fireplace keeps the compact interior of the chalet cozy.

This small writer's retreat on San Juan Islands, Washington completely exposes the interior to the site’s impressive island views. Photo by: Tim Bies

The fan can connect to Wi-Fi so you can control it with your phone, or you can let its motion detector turn it on when you enter the room.

Taking a quote from writer Alain de Botton as inspiration --“ There are many places in the modern world that we do not understand because we cannot get inside them” -- the Writers in Residence series will journey into the heart of the modern condition, beginning with Another Great Day at Sea (May 20), which chronicles life aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier.

WMS Boathouse at Clark Park Studio Gang Architects

One of the tenets of Treebones Resort is to build shelters that perch lightly on the land. The Autonomous Tent doesn't require a foundation, instead resting on a deck that is held to the ground with screws.

S&S House - Besonías Almeida arquitectos

1938 Talbot-Lago T-150C-SS Teardrop, Collection of J. W. Marriott, Jr.;

A reed and metal pergola structure constructed by PSS Design Cult.

A fan by Big Ass Fans can be seen in the reflection of the mirror.

The Fargo Theatre at night. Photo by: David Bowman

Future additions to the series include a look inside the IMF with Liaquat Ahamed and a tour of the technology firm Alcatel-Lucent with Douglas Coupland. If access is power, these books could be revolutionary.

Architect Janna Levitt devised a creative emellishment for a residence in Canada. Photo by: Philip Cheung

Composed of primarily steel, this prefab home has sufficient outdoor space. Photo by: Daniel Hennessy

The settings for the Haiku Senseme fan by Big Ass Solutions can be adjusted via an app.

The WS-J02 (shown in black) is a versatile mid-layer that is deal for bagging peaks, getting down to business, or heading out for an evening pub crawl. waltersky.com/col...

Cedar slats help this Ontario lake house float soundly atop still waters. Photo by: Raimund Koch

The Kinuta N–SS01 bookshelf is inspired by umbrella and shoe racks near the entrance of Japanese temples and Shrines which also uses similar construction techniques.

The WS-J02 (shown in navy) is form-fitting as a lightweight mid-layer with great heat retention that still allows moisture to escape so you don’t overheat. waltersky.com/col...

Vintage Beni Ourain rug and custom scaffold plank floor to ceiling shelving by alexander design and PSS Design Cult.

Homeowners Cecilia Tham and Yoel Karaso renovate their home in Barcelona, harmoniously overlapping elements of the old and the new. Photo by: Gunnar Knechtel

Like the bed and built-in nightstand, the door is by Lloyd’s Custom Woodwork. The WGS stool near the vanity is by Gallotti&Radice.