Deep eaves prevent the entrance from being buried in snow. The clients can see directly into the valley and mountains below.

Taking inspiration from Arlberg Valley, Austria to classic Nordic materials, the Troll Hus certainly adds a European touch to the California landscape. “The inspiring concept is that of a treehouse that, as if suspended between treetops, seamlessly and ingeniously blends with its surroundings.” Casper says.

The facade consists of exposed concrete, Galvalume roofing, and cedar or torrefied wood coating. The homes are carefully positioned to keep other structures out of sight.

2015 marks Tapio Wirkkala's centenary and Iittala is introducing pieces from its archive into production in honor of the milestone. The Finnish designer worked with the glass manufacturer for four decades, each of which is represented here by a shot glass. From left to right: the 1980s, 1970s, 1960s, and 1950s.

Recycled Wine Glasses by Uncommon Goods Handmade in Colombia, these pale green wine glasses fulfill easy entertaining requirements: sturdy, simple, and dishwasher safe. $28 for set of two

Glasses by Warby Parker.

While it was tempting to embed the cabin into the hillside, Balance Associates sought a smarter solution. By elevating the project on two concrete walls, the clients could avoid a costly foundation, improve their view of the landscape, and stay above the thick winter snowfall.

Operable windows on the South- and North-facing facades allow cross ventilation The bedroom is spartan, save for an impressive view of the trees.

With their Colour Glass collection, the duo Scholten & Baijings create a language of colored glass, with gold lines marking wine glasses, and color gradients designating water glasses. Pastels and soft lines show off the subtlety and understatement of glassware, modernizing its elegance without diminishing its place in the kitchen.

Out of respect for the structure's more traditional neighbors, de Leon painted the exterior of the addition Black Forest Green, a Benjamin Moore hue commonly used on plantation shutters in the South.

The bedroom is to the immediate right of the entrance; the architects selected plywood for interior surfacing for the warm tones it provided. The aluminum spacers allow for easy installation—they have greater tolerances for gaps as compared to other joints—while doubling as a decorative element.

The entrance is immediately flanked on its left by a mudroom for hiking gear and the bathroom.

Recycled Glass Conical Tumblers – Set of 6, $36–$72 at the Dwell Store The elegant recycled glassware series from Hawkins New York was designed in collaboration with Moroccan artisans. Each piece in the handmade collection, including this set of six glasses, has a natural variation, recycled glass tint, and minor bubbling, making every piece in the collection one-of-a-kind. Available in three sizes (large shown).

The morning sky greets the hilltop

A closer look at the copper GM Pendant light, shown with Menu’s stackable glasses.

Liqueur glasses from Normann Copenhagen, $45 for a set of two at normann-copenhagen.com These glasses gently spin on a table, both exposing the aroma of the beverage and adding delight to cocktail hour.

The Rien drinking glass by Christian Metzner for New Tendency is made of Borosilicat glass: a dextrous and delicate material originally used in scientific laboratories.

Zoff store (2013) Modular wooden blocks with colorful accents brighten up this glasses shop in Saitama.

Rien Water Glass – Set of 4, $56 at the Dwell Store These stackable drinking glasses from Berlin–based NEW TENDENCY are versatile and stylish—a perfect gift for the at-home bartender on your list. The glasses can be used for water or spirits, and are designed to appear delicate while maintaining durability. The glasses can be used for dressy affairs alongside casual, everyday meals.

Relations stacking glasses for Iittala, 1999.

RIEN Drinking Glasses – Set of four, $56 These drinking glasses can be used for water, cordials, and even wine. The glasses are stackable, and feature a cone-shaped base for a distinctive look.

Sou Fujimoto's Floating Forest via Spoon & Tamago: Architect Sou Fujimoto transformed Cassina's showroom during Salone Internazionale del Mobile into a floating forest.

While the home is well insulated on all sides, the hearth can provide extra warmth when necessary.

Phoenix Rising-The award-winning Phoenix home received an update from Wendell Burnette with a complete hardscape and landscape renovation incorporating native plants and a pool that “projects toward the canopy of the desert sky.” Photo by: Dean Kaufman

Designed by the Dutch duo Scholten & Baijings, the Color Glass collection boasts a subtle gradient and geometric motif. $12–45 each from store.dwell.com.

Coolade pitcher and glasses by Andi Kovel for Esque

Here's another look at Michael Graves's design for jcpenney, this time a decanter and two Everyday wine glasses.

The pine forest around the complex provided the architects with their color scheme.

Though the house sits cozily at the back of a birch forest clearing, Zhidkov says no trees were cut during construction.

A classroom in PS 313.

The house may be large at 5,382 square feet, but its extensive glazing makes it appear weightless.

Logical Extension-A tiny home in the Belgian forest gained some serious square footage with dmvA Architecten's glass walled addition that visually connects the residents with their surroundings. Photo by: Frederik Vercruysse

PS 313 is a school in Sunnyside, Queens for 432 kindergarteners through fifth graders that opened in the fall of 2014. Equipped with a central courtyard and rooftop play area, the brick masonry building has attained a green rating from New York City.

Balance Associates architect Tom Lenchek says the project’s success was enabled by a clear vision from the clients: the couple “identified what they wanted and stuck to that,” resisting escalating the project’s scope and cost. This enabled the architects to craft a consistent and simple design.

A collection of objects from Lawrence’s desk include stencils, paint rags, glasses, and a notebook.

Supported by steel strips, the balcony extends outwards to meet the valley below. Fully-glazed sliding doors and a clerestory window provide a view.