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.

A side view of the house and of Salmela’s signature architectural feature: the “unchimney.” All windows are from Loewen.

Two art studios adjoin a central volume at this work/live residence built from terracreto (sustainable concrete), glass, and painted steel just outside of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Residents Austin and Lida Lowrey, retired design and museum professionals, collaborated with their two daughters—Sheridan, an artist, and Elizabeth, an architect—to design the structure as a place for creative contemplation.

The backyard sports a sequence of raised flower and vegetable beds and two green roofs—one atop the workshop and other atop the back entrance.

For architect Stephen Chung, the design of his Wayland, Massachusetts, home was all about blending into the natural environment. The first floor is a serene composition of white and wood. The demand for a domestic office space inspired him to build up, adding a second floor for him to "experiment." In a departure from the Cape Cod aesthetic that rules his block, he was able to give the addition a modernist take, while also literally reflecting the existing landscape of the neighborhood. The entire 1,100-square-foot adjunct that encompasses his second story office-studio, master suite, and fort for his two young sons is swathed in mirrored siding and plate-glass windows.

A slender, black double-sided fireplace distinguishes the living room from the dining area.

Tribeca Manufacturing Building New York–based architect Andrew Franz undertook the renovation of a landmark circa-1884 former soap warehouse in Tribeca, originally designed by George W. DaCunha in the Romanesque Revival style. Franz reorganized and modernized the six-story building—which retains its original 16-foot beam ceilings, brick walls, timber columns, and elevator winches from the former freight shaft—by incorporating steel, glass, handmade tile, and lacquer to complement the masonry and heavy timber. An interior courtyard and rectangular mezzanine are situated below the original 16-foot gull-wing ceiling planes.

A graphic wallpaper by Kate Zaremba wraps the kids' bathroom with sconces by Allied Maker.

The exterior of the new, two-story home in East Austin, Texas was designed with a minimal palette, bronze windows, and steel details in order to blend into the existing cityscape.

This sophisticated credenza is a streamlined storage system that is available in a variety of configurations. It can be used as a buffet or sideboard in a dining room, media console, or cabinet in a bedroom. Other credenzas include the 4 Drawer and 4 Door. Similar designs include the 2 Door 2 Drawer File Cabinet, 4 Door Cabinet, and Dresser.

The sleeping cubbies lie beneath the walkway connecting front and back units. Cedar decking and soffit add warmth and texture to the transitional space.

Bestor opened up the central spine of the ranch-style home, creating a kind of longhouse with the ceilings insulated and covered with hemlock.

The home's indoor/outdoor connection is strong.

The tiered side table was designed by Jasper Morrison.

The family’s two cats, Baron and Jula.

Airy living room.

The automatic arm that raises and lowers the flapper can be set up so that it stays open for the correct amount of time each flush—that means never having to tell guests to jiggle the handle.

Two-sided fireplace reaches mezzanine.

Interior palette: slate fireplace, Douglas fir ceilings, black accents, glass

To pay homage to the home’s era, the couple chose a midcentury-inspired Pacific Green Starburst III tile from the Cement Tile Shop to go behind the Moreno Bath MOB rosewood vanity. Hudson Valley Lighting fixtures and CB2 mirrors add some retro bling to the bath.

The attic has space for a compact sleeping area, which can host adventurous guests.

The home’s new half-bath is tiled in Lili Tile, with a vanity sink from Wayfair, a countertop and backsplash of Silestone Quartz, a faucet from Kingston Brass and wall sconces over sink and toilet by Hinkley.

Dulkinys uses the remote-controlled mountaineer’s harness to peruse the two-story bookshelf.

In the kids bathroom, Ceramica Vogue tile in multiple colors brings a youthful quality. Countertops are by Concrete Collaborative.

Studiopietropoli created two houses on one site, each with fluid connections to the surrounding garden. A green roof creates a portico between them.

The spacious, central living area looks out on a bucolic landscape.

A 3,500-square-foot home in upstate New York was designed by the architecture firm Mapos with simple materials and passive design principles. The contemporary fireplace, which sits on buffed concrete flooring at the center of the ground floor, was custom-made by Mapos.

The bathroom is a long, linear space with a letterbox window to provide natural light. There are two toilets, a pair of sinks, and two showers.

The result, which will be available commercially in early 2015, is a teardrop-shaped caravan that can be towed behind a vehicle or parked in a backyard.

The walls and ceilings, which were painted white, work beautifully with the wide-plank pine flooring to brighten the interiors and give the living areas a light, breezy feel.

Nestled among trees and apple orchards, this warm and inviting family home makes the most of its peaceful wooded plot.

The refined architectural detailing is finished with natural textures and subtle color shifts, from clay brickwork to rose linen accents, creating a robust yet calming home.

One of the bathrooms includes a dry sauna.

The master bathroom is filled with colorful textiles and quirky art.