Riga High-Rises Z-Towers (NRJA, 2004-2015); Preses nams (Jānis Vilciņš, Ābrams Misulovins, 1978); Saules akmens (ZENICO PROJEKTS, TECTUM, 2002-2004). Photo by: Uldis Lukševics, NRJA

The rise of the front lawn and the height of the trees give the house a subtle presence amid magnificent surroundings.

The home claimed one of the last unoccupied lots in tiny Caraquet.

Solid Copper Cup, $21 From water to a Moscow Mule, this copper cup from Yield Design Co. is a cup that everyone will want to sip from. It is made from solid copper, and is naturally insulating—the perfect device for keeping cocktails cool.

Manitoba Hydro Place (Winnipeg, Manitoba: 2009) How refreshing is it to see a power company be so respectful of power? Manitoba Hydro didn’t merely create a new headquarters when it unveiled this towering 23-story building, it created a case study in intelligent high-rise construction. A center chimney between three six-story atria cools, warms, and recycles air before its distributed to the rest of the structure, part of an almost organic system that utilizes geothermal systems to provide energy for 100% of the cooling and 75% of the heating. Along with a system of radiant slabs embedded in the concrete and automated lighting systems, the LEED Platinum-certified design by KPMB Architects showcases the power of passive energy. Photo by Maris Mezulis

Philadelphia rises above the banks of the Schuylkill River.

With its proximity to both water and mountains, Vancouver makes for a wonderful getaway destination. Photo by: João Canziani

Edwin Blue’s Rise lounge chair and ottoman are made from FSC-certified machiche and polished stainless steel.

While Kahn's tetrahedron tower was never realized, his inventive suggestion of stacking pieces of precast concrete, a new typology of high-rise design, influenced future modular projects.

The steep canyon wall rises directly behind the house.

The duo has a balanced approach to design. As Lee states, “Typically we’ll each come up with our own ideas, but we’ll bounce them off of each other for feedback, and to further develop it.” Once the duo decides to pursue an idea, they choose who will take the lead, or they will continue to work on it together. “For the most part, we have a pretty organic design process.” Pictured, the Cylinder Shakers in polished brass.

The mahogany-paneled vestibule features gently angled stairs that rise to the living area, which boasts an impressive atrium.

Sunlight shines through the gabions, peppering the interior with natural ornamentation.

Shine A Light by Deshgin Studio Lavoratorio, Photo by Sergio Pirrone

The floor plan.

At night, the cantilevered living area shines brightly, appearing like a floating glass box.

"For the first three months of the pandemic, we hiked every day—rain or shine or snow,

In the bedroom wing, sunlight shines down from the Plexiglass bubbles. Steel in the cutaways reflects the light.

The towering sculpture of natural, untreated wood rises far above the pathway.

High Rise & Shine, Bedroom with a Loop View

Casa Dolce Vita's brilliant white kitchen is a lesson in simplicity; Atelier Michael Hagara tucked all the appliances away neatly so certain features, like the pendant light, could shine.

Although John and Debby’s art collection fills much of their house, pieces such as these by Matias Faldbakken, Aaron Boone, and William O’Brien particularly shine in the curved gallery hallway, which was purpose-built for art.

Two of the home's three levels rise from the site's original garden wall, presenting an impressive elevation from the street.

From the street, the house rises two stories, dropping down on the opposite side to follow the slope. Clive envisioned the top floor as a “crow’s nest.”

Although it’s designed in a simple polygon shape, the Hex 750 Brass Pendant is anything but plain. Crafted from brass electroplated aluminum that is hand-brushed, the hexagonal pendant light provides refined drama in an interior. The Hex is also available in a matte black or white option.

Rise & Shine Natural Sleep System by Verilux, $250 If a regular alarm induces too much panic, this circadian clock will instead wake you with gradually brightening lights and sounds. The blue lights shine a specific hue that increases alertness.

Architect Minwook Choi’s 710-square-foot Seroro House rises from a tiny urban lot in Seoul that had long been neglected because of its challenging size.

Lark Rise rises from the sea grass on a quiet pedestrian street.

Inside, a suspended staircase rises up past the couple’s bookcase over a well-lit seating nook. Aalto stools by Artek join Eames molded plywood dining chairs by Herman Miller to give an especially modern touch to the kitchen.

The tree in the central courtyard rises up through the center of the home, with its top branches visible from the first floor to create a vertical connection through the spaces that echoes the dynamic stairs.

A sunny, California aesthetic shines brightly in the outdoor patio.

The interiors are swathed in organic hues to allow the natural environment to shine.

Light shines through the home's stone curtains at night.

“In the nighttime, like a candle, Kynttilä shines as a warm light on the lakeshore.”

Simple furniture with glass and acrylic allow plants to shine.

The house’s concrete construction allows its geometry to shine.