The main living area is connected to the back unit by a modern bridge. Polished concrete is used for both floors and ceilings, and a Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Stool accents the space.

The metal cladding, inspired by a nearby zinc mine, continues seamlessly onto the house’s roof for a minimalist shed effect. “The drip edge turns to make the wall,” explains architect Brandon Pace, “but changes above the window to accommodate a downspout. Any place where the metal contacts glass, or where you walk underneath, we have an internal gutter.”

Adding 290 square feet to this already small (just 566 square feet) black A-frame in Brecht, Belgium, was all the local building ordinances allowed, but the architects at dmvA found that a single wing extended out to the side gave resident Rini van Beek all the storage and living space that she needs.

Resident Brian Whitlock saved some serious cash by taking on much of the construction and electrical work himself.

Four distinct structures make up the house. Their design echoes the shape of an older, gabled-roof building already on site. “We considered the neighboring construction quite interesting in terms of scale and layout,” de Carvalho says. “Due to the proximity, we felt the necessity to integrate it in the design.”

The long, lean Kobayashi complex includes a bathroom and storage room in the structure on the far right.

The cantilevered sleeping loft posed a structural challenge. "The structure is simple, however we explored a number of options for supporting the cantilevered loft," Eerkes says. "But after comparing costs for large trusses versus a big glulam beam—including labor costs for construction of each—the simplicity of a two-foot glulam beam won out. The steel rod cross bracing provided lateral stability in the longitudinal direction."

North elevation

Stripping paint to reveal the beautiful riveting and aluminum was one the hardest but most rewarding tasks. To me, revealing the structure and construction honors the original craftsmanship that went into this trailer.

In London, students from the Architectural Association used beech trees leftover from thinning a forest at their school’s Dorset campus to craft a delicately framed shelter. Via Dezeen

The Embassy of Luxembourg in Bangkok, Thailand, funded the construction of dormitories to accommodate student refugees from Myanmar. The first structure was completed in four weeks and can accommodate 25 students. Via ArchDaily

It’s important to confirm that there are no rotten columns, beams, or other damaged supporting elements before you buy a home.

For Karina Inzunza, Graham Barker, Melana Janzen, and John McMinn (pictured left to right), a shared vacation home on Georgian Bay was the perfect opportunity to pool resources, split costs, and create an extended family unit.

The architects designed a low structure that clings to the topography of its forested site.

Long and low, the Ochre Barn began its life as a threshing barn in the 1850s.

OPA built the Loop structure to “slump” onto the site. Orinda, California. © OPA.

A contractor with years of industry knowledge will know how to solve common problems that may arise during construction, and will also have well-established connections to subcontractors and suppliers.

Each unit is 370-square-foot studio and was built off site in a warehouse near Sacramento.

Construction of the seating element.

The elevated park under construction.

The ceiling and construction detail.

ECOR's durable E-Home construction panels are made from discarded paper, cardboard, agricultural fibers, and other so-called cellulose waste fiber, much of which would end up taking up valuable real estate in landfills.

The open living-and-bedroom area of Ian Hague’s rural retreat can be divided by a wall that rises from within the master-suite platform. Interior designer Elaine Santos blended her client’s collection of vintage furniture with no-fuss pieces like a Shaker-style bench by Ilse Crawford for De La Espada.

Front view | Mykonos House luxury pool with a light blue finish recreating the mesmerizing crystal clear waters of Mykonos

Don't rush the bidding process. Many experts recommend obtaining bids from three different contractors so you can compare and contrast. Wait until you’ve heard back from a few different options so you can accurately analyze the results and make an educated decision.

A 70-square-foot reflecting pool greets visitors as they approach the home’s elemental north entrance.

Kiosks in Shells for Sparrow Hills (Wowhaus: Moscow, Russia) These temporary structures provide a respite to those heading to the former Lenin Hills area of Moscow.