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That’s why the firm focuses on designing homes that feel connected to nature and as peaceful as a monastery. 23o5 Studio isn’t trying to force rural architectural vernacular into urban settings, though. Their designs are modern and well-suited to their environments, often made of concrete. But each one is envisioned not just as a shelter, but as a place that makes you forget all your worries the moment you step in the door. In 2015, they completed “Longcave,” located in the city of Vinh Long, a long and narrow home that blocks out views of direct neighbors and city streets while bringing in elements of sunlight, water, and living greenery. Now, with “Longcave 2,” the architects have taken that sense of serenity one step further by introducing an indoor fish pond that surrounds the main living area.

Inspiration for the project came from Hang Son Doong, a cave located with the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It’s the world’s largest cave when measured by cross-section, renowned for its spectacular underground rainforests, unusual formations like cave pearls, rays of sunlight streaming through natural openings overhead, and placid pools full of fish. From the street-facing facade, the all-white home doesn’t look like much, but that’s because the wonders within are only visible to the residents and their guests.

The architects conceived the home as a series of voids. Like the original Longcave, it occupies a long skinny strip of urban real estate measuring about 32 by 164 feet. Indoor spaces are staggered with perimeter walls and private courtyard gardens to encourage a sense of discovery. The primary living spaces are completely open and lacking interior walls, their areas defined instead by the positioning of skylights and double-height atriums. The dark ribbon of water forms a perimeter around the living room and tea room, koi glittering beneath the surface. Rays of sunlight piercing the skylights, broad-leafed tropical greenery, and the feeling of openness combined with varying ceiling heights do, in fact, make the home feel like a cave — in a very good way.

“With thoughts create a place, not just a house, but it is where emptying anxiety, fear, the only remaining calm,” the architects say. “’The Longcave’ is inspired space section of Son Doong cave, and human life in the initial period of the cave. When stepping through a door and step in space without walls, the space is a combination of the voids. The different sectional shape for the same equivalent area create different feelings for each space. The boundary between inside and outside is blurred away. Light is deliberately set up with zones that directly and indirectly separate the space into different components: light, materials, transitions, tranquility.”

Obviously, homes like this are out of reach for most urban residents in Vietnam (and virtually everywhere else in the world). A private oasis in the middle of a dense, highly developed city is a luxury, especially when it’s as beautifully designed as Longcave 2. One can only daydream about a reality in which everyone is deemed significant enough to deserve access to the comforts of nature left behind as society urbanizes. Who’s ready to campaign for skylights, courtyards, and indoor pools for all?

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Mái Apartment embraces and reimagines the aftermath of Vietnam’s fraught colonial history. The country was controlled by France for more than six decades as part of the so-called “French Indochina,” during which time the French believed it was their responsibility to introduce modern Western political, social, industrial, and technological ideas to Asian and African nations in order to “civilize” them.

Northern Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945, but Western influences continued to have a big impact in the ensuing decades. Imported from the United States, Modernist architecture flourished as part of an effort to overthrow the French neoclassicism, introducing a new aesthetic of concrete and terrazzo to the otherwise-tropical environment. Great examples of this style in Vietnam include the General Science Library by Nguyen Huh Then and Bui Quang Hang and Independence Palace by Ngô Viết Thụ.

Take a walk through Ho Chi Minh City and you’ll see evidence of these influences on virtually every street. The style is easy to spot when it comes to exteriors, but less common indoors, especially within residences. Whale Design Lab, led by architect Hanh Le, has brought to life a striking arrangement of minimalist surfaces and monumental forms without making any significant structural changes to the existing apartment.

One significant influence is Louis Kahn, one of America’s greatest 20th-century architects. A master of Brutalism, Kahn created such visionary structures as the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California (1959-65), Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire (1965-72), and the striking National Assembly Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh (1962-63). His work is typified by dynamic geometric shapes, and though most of his structures were made of cold and hefty cement, they never felt static or boring.

Hanh Le saw in Kahn’s work a revolutionary functionality and pared-down elegance, eventually leading him to wonder how could these aesthetics be recreated “in a boring four-bedroom condo apartment.”

The giant circular cutouts seen in the Phillips Exeter Academy appear here in a new way, sliced out of interior concrete walls that allow light to pass between the spacious, open two-level living area and a quiet study with a curving built-in desk upstairs. They’re echoed by the rounded archways subtly separating and defining various interior spaces, including the lip of a gorgeous terrazzo floor, which uses large chunks of white marble inlay instead of aggregate for an updated look.

This terrazzo continues both up the stairs to the second level and into the kitchen, where it forms the counters, central island, and even a backsplash. Custom furniture, like a rounded dining table with a built-in planter for a living tree, perfectly complements the architecture of the space. Tropical greenery and warm wood give it an edge that’s distinctly Vietnamese.

The apartment takes its name, mái, from the Vietnamese word for “polish.” It took three years to complete, but the result meets all of the clients’ needs with a refreshing sense of uniqueness that can’t be found anywhere else.

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Architects Studio WNA designed “Hideout Horizon” with adventurous visitors in mind. Made almost entirely of natural materials, this open-air structure provides a luxurious “glamping” home base divided into different zones for sleeping, lounging, swinging, swimming, and other activities emphasizing relaxation and playfulness.

The wing-shaped roof and large overhang offer a shaded indoor/outdoor space protected from tropical rainstorms, with one side completely open to a private grassy space encircled with palm trees and other plants. The pool serves as a transitional point between indoors and out, while a robust multi-person hammock built as a mezzanine hovers above it.

Inside, a rich palette of natural tones gives the bamboo flooring, structural elements, and roofing both texture and pattern. The rusticity of the materials contrasts beautifully with modern LED lighting. A walkway, doubling as a roof for the couch below, leads from the ground floor up to the nest-like bed surrounded with a canopy of mosquito netting.

“The upper levels cascade into unique sleeping and relaxation spaces for guests,” the architects say. “A large round bed perches on a platform like a nest in the middle of the space, with a secret loft area tucked away at the highest level of the bamboo house. The building is completely open to the serene jungle surroundings. The heated pool is sheltered under the large roof, which provides a safe and comfortable place to relax even when the tropical weather gets wild.”

“The space was purposefully designed to create a fun experience for travelers of all ages. Instead of stairs, a ramp winds through the structure; where some prefer to walk, others prefer to slide. A hanging net above the pool and a bamboo swing downstairs add to the playfulness of Hideout Horizon’s creative yet comfortable character. Guests have an array of spots to relax in after hiking through the surrounding landscape. The bespoke interior design and the bamboo furniture were designed specifically for Hideout Horizon space by the Hideout team in collaboration with Putri Wiwoho.”

With all of Bali’s charms beckoning, including stellar water-based activities and a smorgasbord of delicious cuisine, most guests will just have to find a good balance between their “hideout” and the outside world. But anyone could be forgiven for arriving and deciding not to leave for the duration of their stay.

“Hideout Horizon” is just one of the resort’s all-bamboo homes. “Hideout Falcon” is a larger, fully enclosed guest space, if that’s your preference, while “Hideout Beehive” is a two-level hexagonal structure with some of the resort’s highest vantage points. “Hideout Lightroom” keeps it small and simple (but still luxurious) and has its own spacious soaking tub. You can check out more photos and get info about the Hideout Network on Instagram.

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The late American author William Feather said, “Business is always interfering with pleasure — but it makes other pleasures possible.” IS Architecture and Design’s new penthouse in Beijing minimizes that interference by combining the best of both those worlds under one roof.

Instead of trying to squeeze in a weekend getaway here and there to give your body and soul a break from the daily grind, this three-story IS design combines the best elements of work and play in one outstanding apartment.

The first floor is sleek, modern, and ideal for entertaining, relaxing, preparing meals, and enjoying precious family time. The straight lines of every fixture and furnishing are clean and destressing. Desaturated colors throughout promote serene thoughts and reenergize peaceful reflections and inspirations that often get pushed out of our minds during work hours. Soothing blue accents in the tile and trim amplify the serenity. Simple, oversized houseplants sparingly placed in corners and alcoves add a touch of nature.

Instead of using conventional walls to define space, the architects and designers used assorted color palettes to separate the areas. The open-air kitchen, dining room, free-flowing living areas, and guest bedroom are all bathed in assorted hues of gray. When further demarcation is desired, clear sliding glass doors are available.

The second floor is a contination of the free-flowing floor plan. The color scheme here revolves around muted earthtones, with shades of chocolate, lattes, and russet dominating. The trims and accessories reflect the calming elements of nature, and are rustic without coming off as rough. The master bedroom is doorless and flows into an adjacent studio and airy walk-in closet.

A geometric staircase leads to the third floor of the penthouse, which is for sure the proverbial icing on the home’s cake. The perfect blend of a private tropical paradise and a cozy upscale cabin in the forest, this floor redefines the concept of a “getaway” in both aesthetics and atmosphere.

Warmth and whimsy intermingle like a perfect symphony in every detail on the upper level. Strategically placed terra cotta tiles draw the eye to walls finished with bucolic plaster patterns and textures. Natural fine resin floors showcase an array of natural wood furniture interspersed with rattan, cane, and wicker pieces. The upholstery and rugs offer a delightful mixture of rustic fabrics and a range of cultural patterns. Hanging plants provide a touch of bohemian style and effortlessly tie it all together.

In keeping with that style, the laundry room is also swathed in rattan, with woven baskets for storage and the appliances artfully encased in mesh rattan cabinets.

IS Architecture and Design’s Beijing penthouse is both a home and a getaway sanctuary, all magnificently laid out over three levels of the same structure. Looks like impossible dreams really can come true.

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There’s a lot to love in Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful traditional towns. For starters, there are its glorious white sand beaches dotted with tropical palm trees. Then there’s the ancient trading port of Old Town Hoi An, which dates back to the 15th century. Even better, this area’s historic architecture is among some of the best-preserved in the entire nation.

Showing influences from countries all around it, including China and Japan, the Old Town is often packed with tourists coming to admire its many charms and multitude of canals. Outside the town, much of the land is still wild and minimally developed.

But to really enjoy Hoi An, you have to be prepared for a bit of extreme weather. The dry season runs from May through September, with temperatures commonly hitting 100°F. The rest of the year is wet, with torrential rains frequently causing floods. So when architecture firm D1 was commissioned to create a duplex villa along the Hoi An River, they knew they’d have to place a high priority on working with the regional climate.

The Vietnam-based studio founded in 2017 by architect Tan Nguyen has quickly gained a reputation for blending modern elements with the local vernacular, employing plenty of organic materials in the process. They believe in creating “responsibly-designed buildings” that are custom-tailored to each site. The key to injecting “soul” into each structure lies in taking cues from the things the surrounding buildings are made from — and of course, from paying local artisans to do much of the work.

M VILLA is the latest hospitality project from the firm to be made with materials like coconut leaves and local stone, wood, and bamboo, taking advantage of the skills and craftsmanship associated with each of those items in the area. But because the duplex is set along the river, it’s especially prone to storms and floods, so it needed a little extra creative thinking to ensure its full protection.

D1 created a large overhanging roof made of layered and overlapped coconut leaves to create a sort of tent over the living areas, simultaneously cooling them and giving them additional protection from the rain. These common spaces are also set along the exterior of each unit to take advantage of the surrounding views, natural daylight, and fresh air. Private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms are set into the core of the structure, and are decidedly more “reserved for resting.”

The architects add: “At the same time, both spaces are seamlessly connected to the surrounding nature. To effectively take advantage of the beautiful surrounding landscape, the design minimizes walls to the max in order to maximize wide angles. All functions are arranged vertically, leaving the ground floor open, flexible, and easy to move in case [the] water level rises during [the] heavy rainy season.”

“Local materials and skilled craftsmanship are greatly employed [in this project]. This helps create a harmonic integration between the project and its surrounding scenes and landscape. More importantly, this allows for the preservation and promotion of traditional crafting villages amid today’s mass production age in Vietnam.”

A lush “coconut forest” of palm trees along the edge of the river acts as a transitional zone, helping to further alleviate flooding concerns. Elsewhere, high stone walls topped with wooden privacy panels help create backyard oases despite the two tenants living so close to one another. The back side of the duplex meets the street, too, ensuring that the lot is primarily used for respite and recreation.

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Whether you’re into laid-back California surf style or the easy elegance of coastal New England, beach vibes can transform virtually any interior space by creating an atmosphere so relaxing, you could swear you were on vacation. But how exactly do you capture that feeling through your choices in furniture, decor, and wall colors? Here are some beach style decorating tips that will help you pull it off without veering into cheesy “themed” territory.

Breezy, Open Feel

Your first step is to make your space feel more open, airy, and bright. Let lots of daylight in while maintaining some privacy with sheer curtains in light colors or Roman-style window shades, and eliminate anything that feels too dark and heavy. Floors are one exception here, as long as you balance them out with the rest of the room. Shimmering materials that reflect a lot of light, like iridescent backsplash tiles in the kitchen, can make a big impact, too. And instead of closed-up cabinets, consider open shelving or glass doors. This example comes from a home in Bridgehampton by Workshop/APD

Bright White

An abundant use of white goes hand-in-hand with a breezy vibe, as seen in this room via Elle Decor. While those who love color might find white walls a little boring, the trick to making them work lies in choosing the right accents (we’ll get to that in a bit). For a true beach feel, go with a true white (or even the palest possible blue) rather than off-white or cream. Layer it with other neutrals, like gray, sand, wood tones, khaki, and camel to soften it up a bit.

Natural Wood

Along with wood floors and paneling, driftwood, salvaged wood, and tree trunks all make for gorgeous ways to infuse your space with a bit of natural color and texture. Keep the tones light, whitewashed or weathered, or strategically employ dramatic darker wood tones as a touch of contrast against white walls. Wayfair has decorative manzanita branches to tuck into vases around the room, or you can go bigger with a series of driftwood occasional tables by Crate & Barrel.

Tropical Patterns

Tropical patterns don’t have to scream “tiki bar.” Consider adding a few throw pillows with lush prints, or creating an accent wall adorned with striking wallpaper, like this dark and dramatic treatment from xwallcolors on Etsy. Just remember to stick with patterns in the same color family whenever you’re mixing prints to avoid a result that feels too busy.

Natural Textiles

Sea grass, jute, sisal, rope, wicker, and linen are all richly-textured natural materials that can add a lot of visual interest, as seen in this gorgeous minimalist beach house photographed by Rikki Snyder. Capture a feel like this with natural fiber rugs, curtains, rattan furniture (like this daybed by World Market), baskets (like this set from Xinhandco Goods on Etsy), or even a fun sea-urchin-inspired ceiling pendant (get it at Wayfair).

Pops of Beachy Colors

Brighten things up with accents in coastal colors. For a tropical vibe, go with a palm leaf green, aqua, or a pop of peachy Living Coral, Pantone’s color of the year (as seen in this image by Coastal Living). Sunshine yellow, citrusy tangerine, and the bright blue-green of Hawaiian waves are nice choices if you’re into a more surf-inspired feel. If you’d rather stick to more subtle and elegant color schemes, consider a rich marine blue accented with gold.

Watery Textures

It’s just not the coast without water, is it? While you can reference this essential element with color, prints that look like watercolor paint feel even more fresh. Check out West Elm’s Sunkissed Landscape Rug and Abstract Landscape Duvet as examples.

Greenery

Bringing in cues from nature is always a good idea, helping to anchor the space in its environment and giving it a livelier atmosphere. There’s nothing better than living houseplants for this, but even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, there’s still hope for you. You can find preserved palm fronds on Etsy (or gather and dry some yourself) and stick them in demijohn glasses, as seen here at Completely Coastal. Some silk greenery can work, too, including Kirkland’s philodendron leaves in a netted vase.

Corral That Coral

Adding in a few literal accents can be another great way to set the mood, but be careful not to go overboard unless you’re going for a kitschy effect. Choose a maximum of just one or two items per room that bring in imagery like seashells, nautical nets, or coral specimens to keep it subtle. Even a surfboard leaning against a wall can be a nice choice. For examples, check out the Lily Pulitzer Shell Mirror by Pottery Barn, the Nautical Net Table Lamp from Wayfair, and Coral Decor from West Elm.

Decorative Statement Pieces

Other decorative objects can draw from coastal or maritime style in an understated way. This technique is more about capturing the feeling rather than incorporating over-the-top elements like anchors or flamingos. For example, you could allude to the type of lamps found on boats and in lighthouses with a piece like the Urban Coastal Sconce from Shades of Light, or pick up the enchanting iridescent tones of shells with textures like the Teardrops Capiz Chandelier from CB2.

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WHBC Architects strikes a fine balance with “Tropical Box House” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contrasting concrete’s materiality and dramatic Brutalist flair with a breezy porosity and perfectly framed views of the nature outside. Measuring over 7200 square feet, the home is monumental without being imposing thanks to a gridded structure with an unusual source of inspiration.

“Set in the tropics, we designed a concrete egg-crate structure that envelops the house to keep the heat out but draws daylight in to create comfortable spaces within,” the architects explain. “The perforated nature of this envelope allows the existing overgrowth to grow into the volume of the house, thus softening the boundary of inside and outside.”

Like most of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur remains in the 80-90ºF range by day and around 70º by night throughout the year. Consistent rainfall and lots of sun make it an ideal climate for spaces that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors, sheltered from the sun yet open to the fresh air. WHBC Architects allow Tropical Box House to embrace the jungle, the irregular pattern of frame openings casting shadows in the interiors to cool the home without making it feel closed off from the world outside. The concrete grid has been made 35 inches deep (900 millimeters) for extra stability.

Built on the edge of a gradual slope, the entire home is elevated from the ground on stilts to protect it from dampness and humidity — a crucial consideration in a tropical climate. As a bonus, the spaces in the rear of the house feel like they’re floating among the trees. Tropical Box House is set back slightly from the road, with a bridge crossing the slope between mature Albizia trees to reach the main entrance.

Once inside, visitors are immediately dazzled by an indoor/outdoor swimming pool that stretches out into the leafy canopy. The living and dining spaces gaze onto the shimmering surface of the pool, while bedrooms are hidden away on the upper floor for privacy and even better views. The dampness-prone ground level is reserved for utility rooms and a three-car garage, which itself is accessed by a ramp that flows down the side yard from street level.

“Looking beyond the pool and the garden, one is greeted with a clear and extended panoramic view of the forest,” say the architects. “On upper floors, windows are specially designed to capture views of big beautiful trees. A seemingly heavy concrete box, it touches the ground lightly, places itself among the trees and encourages the enduring landscape to grow within it.”

Even if you aren’t normally a fan of large-scale concrete architecture, you can probably agree that the only thing “brutal” about this house is its undeniable beauty.

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Today, around half of the plot’s total area has been devoted to a stunning tropical garden. The tree in question can be found near the eastern corner, growing through the timber “waffle ceiling” that covers many of the home’s living areas. The rest of the house is almost as dramatic as this key feature, boasting a lavish outdoor swimming pool and a set of seamless transitions from one open-plan area to the next.

In 1935, Lawrence Perkins and Philip Will founded Perkins + Will in Chicago, Illinois. The firm now has offices in 24 major cities around the world. Above all else, Perkins + Will is committed to designing sustainable buildings that promote the health of the people living and working in and around them. When President Donald Trump recently decided to pull the US out of the Paris Climate Accord, CEO Phil Harrison had this to say:

“We at Perkins+Will reaffirm our commitment to design healthy, sustainable places that promote holistic well-being for people and our environment, and our belief that forward-thinking design is fundamental to advancing a competitive economy. This includes planning for and reducing the effects of climate change, because the best design solutions consider the future, making positive contributions and enduring over time.

Today, we are part of a sweeping national coalition of communities, cities, states, NGOs, universities, and corporations that are working together to drive climate action in the United States. These intrepid, progressive entities have committed to accelerating the rate of emissions reduction in the U.S. to the point where we meet our contributions under the Paris Agreement.”

The firm’s Sao Pãulo treehouse is a great example of their forward-thinking design strategies. Plus, it’s just a beautiful piece of architecture to behold. Everyone likes the concept of bringing the outside into their homes, but it’s not every day that one sees it executed on such a grand scale. To avoid harming this sizable tree during the construction process, Perkins + Will created a digital 3-D image of it before doing anything else. That way, its dimensions could easily be worked into their plans.

To build this treehouse home without affecting the surrounding landscape, the impressive timber grid that intersects the tree was also 3-D mapped prior to its construction. It was developed by Perkins + Will in collaboration with the renowned Brazilian engineer Helio Olga. This awning not only shades the home’s outdoor areas, but it also acts as a roof for some of its indoor ones. Crucially, the grid features a single opening that’s bigger than all the others. Why? To leave enough growing room for that massive tree, of course!

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Close your eyes and envision the most relaxing tropical paradise residence you can possibly imagine. What do you picture? Maybe your ultimate retreat features multiple swimming pools, gardens, balconies, aquariums, and lounge chairs to spare. But no matter how lush and luxurious your fantasy might be, it’s probably got nothing on the real-life creations of Guz Architects. This Singapore-based firm takes advantage of the island’s temperate climate to design homes that integrate nature into interior spaces in virtually every way, from rooftop gardens to reflecting pools that travel under glass walls and into living rooms.

Each home is a tropical oasis with greenery dripping down walls, trees growing up through atriums that open to the sky, glittering water speckled with water lilies and other aquatic plants, boulders, and vibrant green lawns. Some designs, like Willow House in Singapore, feature jaw-dropping swimming pools with glass walls that make turquoise waters part of the living space, with interior windows of subterranean spaces looking into the depths of the pool.

Cluny House has a swimming pool visually merging into a water garden dotted with grassy islands, set beside two pavilions on an L-shaped plan. Elsewhere, the spectacular Fish House offers a green-roofed, glassed-in pavilion jutting out over the swimming pool to take in views of the ocean. And Sun House uses ponds and a pool to passively cool the building, and tucks a courtyard into the interior for privacy, serving as one of the firm’s best examples of “how architecture immerses itself into nature,” as they explain.

“Situated onto an irregular landscape, the building took on the design of an L-shape. With the project designed in this manner, this allowed the building to make use of the vast green landscape surrounding the house making the focal point the pond and the luscious greenery. We were able to create an open courtyard which was private but still with a feeling of openness with good vies and airflow.”

Nearly all of these homes boast split-level floor plans with sections that overlap in unconventional ways to take advantage of views of the pools, gardens, and scenery beyond the borders of the properties. Many are open to the fresh air, promoting cross-ventilation and offering a seamless transition between the living areas and the homes’ many terraces and balconies.

Guz Architects’ commitment to a balance with nature goes far beyond simply designing beautiful indoor/outdoor homes, too. While many other architects and developers might not give much thought to the ecology of the site itself, Guz considers how their designs will impact the land and the local environment, and their homes are full of sustainable design features and practices. The firm also puts their money where their mouth is when it comes to environmental responsibility.

“As architects we believe that we should help neutralize the effect of global warming incurred by our projects by planting trees wherever possible,” they say. “As a company we have purchased land in the UK and New Zealand, and so far have planted over 3200 trees. We make donations to World Land Trust to preserve existing rainforest; and also Greenpeace who are active in helping prevent deforestation globally.”

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A famous Los Angeles mansion that starred in “The Big Lebowski” will be open to visits from the public, thanks to its owner’s generous donation to LACMA, the Los Angles County Museum of Art.

The house was designed by well-known L.A. architect John Lautner (1911-1994) in 1961, an artist mentored by Frank Lloyd Wright. James Goldstein, a colorful local character in his ’70s (he won’t share his real age) who fits the idea of the eccentric millionaire to a T and who is known as the “NBA super fan” that attends more than 100 NBA games every season, acquired this house in 1972. He tinkered with it for 35 years and has now gifted it to the museum, along with a $17 million maintenance fund, an incredible piece of so-called sky space artwork by James Turrell and an additional building that features an office and nightclub where Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio and Mick Jagger have partied.

For now, Goldstein will still reside in his home, until his death, but make it available for LACMA tours and events. He said: “I want the house to be an educational tool for young architects, and I want to inspire good architecture for Los Angeles.” “For me it ranks as one of the most important houses in all of L.A.,” said Michael Govan, the museum’s director and chief executive. “And as one of the most L.A. houses, because of its connection to the view, that long view toward the ocean.”

The unusual home is surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, which Goldstein planted right when he acquired the house. He also added lots of glass, custom concrete furniture built right into the rooms, a closet that behaves like a dry cleaner rack, a TV that descends from the wooden ceiling and a sink with a hidden spout. He received a lot of help from architect Lautner himself! Lautner’s favorite thing, according to Goldstein, was to conceal things. The house enjoys a stunning canyon setting on four acres with vast views of downtown and the ocean.

Lautner, a Frank Lloyd Wright disciple, was known for his space age flair. Other works of his include the “flying saucer”-like Chemosphere, “Marbrisa” in Acapulco with a “sky moat” surrounded by snakes, and the Dolores and Bob Hope residence in Palm Springs featuring an undulating triangular roof. Many of his photogenic buildings have been featured in or inspired elements in TV, the movies and even video games, such as “Less Than Zero,” “Diamonds are Forever” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.”

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Located on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand, these stunning holiday homes offer a contemporary ocean view getaway with sparkling infinity pools that seem to drop right off the cliff.

Each of the 28 modern villas at the Samujana Resort has its own particular character, but all offer private pools, open-air dining, a range of luxuries and conveniences and beautiful architecture that focuses on vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Lounging sofas overlook the pool and in some cases, are even submerged in the water. Glass-edged rooftop decks enable views of the white sandy beaches and sunsets, and many of the rooftop surfaces are covered in grassy gardens. Indoor-outdoor spaces abound to take advantage of the temperate climate, and many of the living spaces within the villas can be opened via operable glass panels.

The villas are available either to rent for holidays or to purchase as a private residence. They’re perched on a hillside above a coral cove with private beach access. The architecture, by Gary Fell of Gfab Architects, blends contemporary luxury with Thai traditions, bringing in references to the natural setting in rock walls and tree-filled courtyards.

Each villa has between three to seven bedrooms, so there’s certainly no shortage of room for guests, and many are outfitted with private cinemas.

“Samujana villas offer infinity edge swimming pools with complete and sublime sea and lush hillside views. Large enough for laps, decadent enough for pool parties and enticing enough to steal away any ardent sun worshipper for a cooling plunge.”

“Boasting comfy slumber parlours from three bedrooms to eight, there’s no shortage of rooms to host your guests. Some rooms open out onto plunge pools, jacuzzis or landscaped rooftops with space for relaxing or taking in a yoga session with a great view. All Samujana villas feature extensive living and dining areas, modern kitchens, oversized private infinity edge pools and are equipped with the latest in audio and media amenities, all inviting you to enjoy your place, in your time!”

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Perched on the hillside just above the tree line, with expansive views of the sea, this modern residence is open to the mild Costa Rican climate. Benjamin Garcia Saxe Architecture raised the home on pillars rather than cutting into the steeply sloped site, saving on construction costs and giving it the feel of a tree house.

Not only does this optimize views of the Pacific, it also allows the home to have a smaller environmental impact on the site. Made almost entirely of wood, ‘Casa Flotanta’ blends in with its tropical surroundings, feeling almost like a natural part of the forest.

The residence is made up of three individual cabins connected by an outdoor walkway. The volumes are staggered to follow the contours of the land, maintaining sight of the ocean from each room. Interior walls made of bamboo provide privacy while also letting in a little bit of light.

Wooden shutters leading to the zig-zag shaped terrace let the breeze from the ocean ventilate the interior, and can be closed during a storm or when the owners are away.

“The Gooden-Nahome family wanted to create a home on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and they found an incredible site overlooking the ocean. The biggest challenge we encountered was that their plot of land was predominantly comprised of a very steep slope, and the view of the ocean could only be seen from the upper-mid portion of the site. We saw this as an opportunity rather than a constraint and immediately considered an architectural response that was appropriate for these conditions.”

“Originally, we explored possibilities of creating large retaining walls and cutting back the soil in order to place the house, a technique typically employed for nearby buildings. Ultimately, we decided to do the exact opposite and therefore allow the slope, the earth, the vegetation, water, and animals to flow underneath the house. We essentially lifted the house up into the air on a series of piloti which gives the impression that it is floating above the hillside. By doing this we saved the immense cost of creating soil retention walls around the site. This common sense solution allowed us to create a very delicate intervention, one that allows the terrain to breathe whilst providing spectacular views out towards the ocean from the key location on the site.”

The post Floating in the Forest: Modern Treehouse with Ocean Views first appeared on Dornob.

If the lines between outdoors and in were any more blurred in this gorgeous greenery-laden Singapore home, it would be less of a residence and more of a public park. Willow House by Guz Architects has a wide-open floor plan that integrates ponds, swimming pools, shallow reflecting pools, and more than one ‘oculus’ allowing trees to grow from one level up to the next.

The home is contemporary yet harmonious with its natural surroundings in a minimal Zen-inspired style consisting of muted gray stone and warm wood contrasting with crisp black and white elements. The swimming pool has glass walls, making the cool blue-green of the water a major visual element when viewed from the lawn.

Outdoor lounge spaces look out onto islands of ferns in the water, cascades of vines, water fountains, and of course, several willow trees. The wood beams supporting the cantilevered roof mimic the shape of tree branches, and the roof itself is covered in lush greenery.

Contemporary Singaporean architecture is unique in both the nature-influenced style of the architecture itself and the way in which the tropical landscape is incorporated right into the home’s indoor/outdoor spaces. This home is reminiscent of the Wall House by FARM, which also has large round openings in the upper levels that make room for the growing branches of trees planted below.

The post Willow House: Singapore Oasis Brings the Outdoors In first appeared on Dornob.

Even before stepping into this home in the Jardins neighborhood of Sao Paulo, Brazil, it is clear that there is something special about it. A glowing red neon sign by the front door announces “Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.” A wooden screen known as a muxarabie – a trademark of the architect responsible for the home’s renovation – covers the entrance, softening the harsh rays of the sun. It’s a small space, but architect Guilherme Torres has made the most of it, particularly in terms of natural light.

The home was originally built in the 1940s and was once occupied by celebrated artist Victor Brecheret. Following the artist’s death, the residence was used to house part of Brecheret’s art collection but was never occupied again until Guilherme Torres renovated it for his own personal use.

While keeping the structure of the home largely the same, Torres transformed the interior into an open and airy space that is flooded with natural light. The kitchen spills out into the courtyard, allowing the residents to transition effortlessly between the indoors and outdoors while enjoying the shelter of the home’s walls and retractable glass roof.

Despite the natural light which makes it look rather large, this diminutive home is only 1400 square feet. The home’s prime location in one of Sao Paulo’s most desirable neighborhoods only adds to its charm. But its best quality might be the artistic soul that still runs through every room.

More from the architect

“The main concept was to update the building, reflecting the contemporary language of the newcomer. The floorplan has not suffered many changes.The only things that has been changed over were the gaps, openings and coatings. All the walls were covered with drywalls and received in some parts white paint and in others, a coating that resembles cement texture.”

“The architect chose this property to live and work. With just over 30 years and works in broad expansion, Guilherme Torres is considered one of the great names of Brazilian architecture. Coming from the interior of Paraná state, Brazil, where he established his first office serving many cities of Brazil for 10 years. Guilherme wanted to translate in his own new space, the best way of a cosmopolitan life with a hint of pop.”

The post Artist’s Home Offers Light-Filled Luxury in a Small Space first appeared on Dornob.