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This Weekend Home Is The Private Forest Retreat Of Your Dreams

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Dubbed the House of Tall Trees, this stunning weekend retreat was designed by the Mexican practice 1i Arquitectura for a family of four. Built using a mesmerizing combination of glass, timber, and concrete, this holiday home is located on a wooded property, providing it with a lush connection to nature. Nestled in the midst of a secluded wooded site, the home is a striking double-height structure.

Designer: 1i Arquitectura

The studio says the site is a “jewel of a site”, and an excellent location for the imposing home as it perfectly combines plants, privacy, and impressive contours. A lovely stream runs through the center of the site, and the entire space is described “as an ode to tranquility in the forest”.  The main structure of the home is essentially a volume built from concrete and glass, with a pitched roof that spans over two floors.

A massive living with a kitchen and dining area, as well as a sunken conversation pit, form the focal point of the home. The pit is located right below the roof and forms a spacious area that is great to rest in. The walls are glazed, hence subtly matching the surrounding tree trunks, allowing an essence of the forest to be in the home.

The home also includes bedrooms, with two on each floor of the house. They are located at the edge of the home, as it provides each room with some privacy and a stunning view of the surrounding wooded landscape. The bedrooms are also complemented with a private balcony. The main structure of the home is surrounded by an ancillary building on each side. A carport and utility area is located up the slope to the north, while a concrete study area is on the terrace to the south. The courtyard on the north side includes a pool and a natural concrete fountain, while the terrace leads to the forest on the south side. The annex structure holds a cozy private terrace with a Jacuzzi that is intended to be an intimate space to relax and rejuvenate, making the House of Tall Trees, an escape for everyday life, and a lovely getaway.

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Unique One-Legged Treehouse Holiday Home Cantilevers In A Forest In Estonia

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Dubbed Piil, this beautiful modular holiday home is built using wood and steel and was designed by architecture studio Arsenit. The home is gracefully elevated above the ground at the edge of a lush forest in Estonia. The home is called a treehouse, and it balances on one leg above a wooden terrace, making it a ‘one-legged’ cantilevered house.

Designer: Arsenit

Piil consists of a living space that is 4.25 meters above the ground, allowing it to cantilever and build a sheltered outdoor space. The house is inspired by the observation towers found in Estonia, which are often nestled away in picturesque locations and assembled on-site. The 19-square-meter building is built using a metal frame accentuated by timber cladding to create an organic connection with the surrounding greenery.

“The architectural brief was for elevated accommodation — so at the start of the project four design options were explored, with only one involving a cantilever and the ‘one-leg’ approach, a sort of wild-card ‘dream big’ idea,” said Arsenit founder Arseni Timofejev. “Further studies suggested this approach was not only feasible, but also had two key advantages: it reduced ground-level presence to a minimum, and allowed Piil to ‘grow’ taller by extending the ‘leg’ up by several levels — to elevate the accommodation further into the tree branches,” he concluded.

Steel was utilized as the load-bearing carcass to minimize the size of the building, and to create the unique cantilevered form. This allowed them to construct the structure quickly on-site. “At the same time, the aim of the project is to celebrate an escape into nature, so wood was a natural choice — that’s why all the steel elements are painted black, to fade into the background and make the wood the main character,” said Timofejev.

The interior of the home is “conceived as a large piece of joinery”. The inside is finished in white-washed oak, complemented by vertical timber paneling which also brings to mind the image of a treehouse. The home features a large main space that provides stunning views of the forest. This area is connected to a mesh mezzanine via a staircase, and this space serves as a corner for visitors to relax and read in.

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Clad In Charred Timber, This L-Shaped Coastal Home Is A Cozy Holiday Retreat

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Somers House is a quaint and adorable coastal home in the town of Somers on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The L-shaped house is designed by Australian studio Kennedy Nolan and is located on a lovely coastal site. The home intends to function as a haven of retreat and relaxation for the client and his family. It is defined by warm earthy colors and intriguing geometrical curves.

Designer: Kennedy Nolan

Kennedy Nolan designed the Somers House to be weather-resilient. The exterior of the home is clad almost completely in timber. What’s fascinating is that the timber is charred utilizing the popular Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique. The exterior features a dark timber that coats the entire L-shaped layout. A central curved stairwell is tucked away in one corner, and covered in a ochre-toned render. The stairwell connects the various floors of the home and is marked with small rectangular windows.

“A central curved mass knuckle housing circulation grounds the design in the site, with more lightweight wings spreading out into the landscape,” said project architect Matilda Blazey. “In the tradition of the Corbusian curve, a curved form is made more potent when sitting in tension beside a straight plane.”

The sides of the stairwell feature two perpendicular timber-clad wings that accommodate the main rooms of the home. One of the wings is raised on columns providing a sheltered outdoor living area in its underbelly. An opening in the facade of the raised wing holds a bridge that connects the first-floor entrance of the home to the surrounding sloping landscape.

“The interior arrangement was based upon solving the problem of both capturing the northern aspect and southerly ocean views in the main living spaces,” said Blazey. “The spatial arrangement supports privacy and separation but makes coming together effortless and celebrated.”

The interiors of the home aim to complement the home’s exterior, by maintaining a rich and earthy tone. The materials and decorations of the interiors perfectly suit the rich tones of the exterior, creating a warm and inviting space. Cork, raw brass, and earthy tiles adorn the walls of the hallways and bedrooms.

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Adventure Whare Retreat Is A Traditional A-Frame Hut With A Modern Twist To Let You Comfortably Enjoy The Outdoors

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If you’re looking for a cozy and comfy nature retreat then you may want to consider the Adventure Whare Retreat. Designed by Studio Well, the Adventure Whare Retreat is located in Castle Hill Village, New Zealand. The spacious and impressive home is a traditional A-frame structure with a modern and contemporary twist. It perfectly merges with its alpine surroundings, while also prioritizing practicality and sustainability. The home is designed to offer a sanctuary of peace, shelter, relaxation, and connection.

Designer: Studio Well

The exterior of the home is inspired by the traditional A-frame hut. The home is surrounded by trees and nestled in greenery. It provides ample shelter and privacy while flaunting a roof with timber-framed glazing that connects the retreat with the native bush reserve. The intriguing cloaked form of the home ensures that it is well protected from the weather. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a warm and open space marked with exposed timber structural elements and cork flooring.

The entrance holds a mudroom that stores wet gear and flat-roofed bedroom wings which in turn provide privacy and relaxation. The retreat is the perfect culmination of warmth, simplicity, and minimalism. It is well connected to nature and serves as a unique and simple dwelling to reside in. Natural materials and green tones define the entire space.

The Adventure Whare Retreat was designed as a space for recharge and reprieve for the entire family. The family enjoys adventuring and exploring local mountains, and forest regions, hence the home is a calm and peaceful shelter for them. The exposed timber theme has been maintained indoors and outdoors, which supports an outdoor lifestyle while allowing a serene connection to the surrounding landscape. The materials selected are not only chosen for aesthetics but also to handle the rigors and moodiness of the climate. Ultimately, the Adventure Whare Retreat is an excellent escape from hectic city life and a safe haven in the wild outdoors. The interiors are welcoming and warm, but well-equipped and spacious. It allows you to disconnect from urban life and connect with rural life in a safe, comfortable, and cozy manner.

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Casa De Mi Luna Is The Perfect Culmination Of Traditional Czech Architecture & Contemporary Interiors

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Located on the edge of the Česky Kras nature reserve southwest of Prague is a traditional Czech dwelling with modern interiors. Dubbed the Casa de mi Luna, and designed by architecture practice Studio Circle Growth, the home harmoniously merges with the local vernacular, owing to its classic gable roof and rounded eaves. The interiors of the home are quite modern and lined with pine. It eliminates the traditional compartmentalization found in rural homes and instead opts for open and spacious living areas that feel bright and welcoming.

Designer: Studio Circle Growth 

“When we got the paper with morphological regulations for the area, I thought gee, what a drag, a symmetrical gable roof with a prescribed pitch between 35 to 45 degrees, prescribed length-to-width ratios, prescribed colors, and so on,” said Studio Circle Growth’s founder Martin Zizka.”But then we kind of completely embraced them, especially when we saw the finished symmetrical red gable roof protruding in the landscape amongst the other similar houses, it began to feel right,” he continued.

And truly the interiors of the home are contemporary and chique. They are defined by lightness, openness, and organic organization. The minimal casa is built from prefabricated straw and timber panels that can be easily assembled on-site. The studio tried to utilize as many local materials as possible, and for the exterior used a base of larch planks and lime render above. On the other hand, the roof features traditional tiles called bobrovka.

The inside of the home features an expansive open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. It is quite cozy with a staircase and a glazed tile-clad fireplace is also included. “The entire central bay of the house is open, allowing the place where it is connected vertically to breathe and bathe in light,” said Zizka. “The staircase thus becomes a central feature which not only connects the two levels but separates the ground floor into distinct yet open and interconnected functional zones,” he concluded. The ground floor also houses internal walls that are finished in white stucco, while the upper level is lined with pine-plywood sheets, that also subtly cover the arched apex of the roof.

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Casa Azul Is The Perfect Beach House To Bask In The Beauty Of Nature Without Disturbing It

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If you are looking for the perfect nature getaway, undisturbed by the chaos of humans and city life, then you’ve landed at the right spot. Welcome to Casa Azul! The beautiful beach home is tucked away in the Atlantic Forest, nestled along the coast of Serra du Guararu in São Paulo, Brazil. Casa Azul is a foolproof testament to how buildings can be constructed in protected nature without damaging it. The stunning fixture not only respects but celebrates the lush green forest that seems to embrace it.

Designer: Studio MK27

Created by Studio MK27, Casa Azul is marked by a two-meter protective perimeter around itself. This projected footprint is a commendable effort to protect the local forest from construction. The construction and design of the home had to adhere to strict parameters set by environmental agencies, which were created to preserve the beauty and integrity of the land. The studio paid their due diligence to the parameters and in turn created an exquisite home that perfectly merges with its environment without harming it.

At first glance, it seems as if the home is hovering or floating over the landscape! The fact that the home is elevated on pilotis may have something to do with it. Supported by pilotis, and featuring a large wooden desk in its underbelly that looks like a natural extension of the forest, the home is truly hard to miss. The organic shape of the home was inspired by the works of landscape architect Roberto Burle-Marx.

The body of the home consists of two massive volumes that seem to be surreally floating amidst the tree canopy. The staggered volumes not only offer shade but also access to the surrounding views. The lower volume features sliding glass walls, that create a lovely indoor-outdoor connection, when they’re opened. The upper level floats harmoniously amidst the treetops, serving as a peaceful haven, with the rooms featuring wooden grid panels that subtly filter the light. The space also includes an impressive pool that is partially exposed to the sunlight, while maintaining a peaceful equation with the surrounding landscape. Casa Azul is a fantastic beach home to bask in the beauty of nature without disturbing it.

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‘Secret Garden’ Is a Lush Greenery + Light Filled Oasis In A Bustling Vietnamese City

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Nestled in the hustling bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City is a recently completed home called the ‘Secret Garden’. Designed by the Vietnamese studio ROOM+ Design & Build, the townhouse aims to provide its residents with a much-needed break from the hectic city life. The home features a stunning and light-filled garden at its center. The four-level home attempts to intertwine contemporary design with the beauty of nature. It offers a four-person family a tranquil and unique safe haven, that is almost like a protected cocoon in the city.

Pros:

  • Features a rooftop garden and plenty of greenery
  • The home is lit with an abundance of natural light

Cons:

  • The garden and numerous plants can be difficult to manage and maintain

Designer: ROOM + Design & Build

The Secret Garden is situated on an awkward irregular plot that’s been tucked away in between two alleyways and a couple of other buildings. The location was a bit of a challenge for the architects, but the end result is quite spectacular. The home spans over four stories, and the home’s exterior, windows, and rooftop are adorned with plants. The studio aimed to maximize natural ventilation and daylight throughout the entire residence. The layout of the home is arranged around the inner garden, which also includes a high-end hydraulic elevator and stairs. This section is topped off with a skylight, which allows natural light to stream throughout the day.

The home also includes a courtyard entrance, which leads to an open living area and a kitchen. The upper floors house multiple bedrooms, which offer access to their own private terrace areas, and the rooftop terrace. The firm says as you enter the home, you will be pleasantly surprised by the secret garden that is scattered with a big acerola cherry tree, and various types of plants hiding in the further corner of the site. The garden allows daylight and cool breeze to enter into the heart of the home, while also managing to provide protection owing to the decorative hollow-brick walls.

“Moreover, as one uses either the elevator or the partly-opened staircase to go up to the top level, he or she would be surprised one more time by a wonderful rooftop garden with countless trees, planting, and flowers. These vibrant gardens give the occupants a relaxing and peaceful sanctuary right in the center of the busy city.” A smart combination of concave and convex surfaces, deep planters, and recessed glazing gives the home a sculptural appeal, transforming it into a peaceful oasis in an otherwise chaotic city.

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This All-Black Chalet With A $15 Million Price Tag Is The Modern-Day Wayne Manor Fit For Batman

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Tucked away into Utah’s majestic Powder Mountain is a stunning all-black chalet that will quite literally take your breath away. Call it the ultimate villain’s lair or a modern-day abode fit for Batman, the Power Mountain Dark Chalet has a sculpted black exterior that oozes mystery, moodiness, and sophistication. Nestled away in the Summit Powder Mountain Ski Resort, the chalet is an hour north of Salt Lake City and seems to mysteriously float above the rocky landscape. The luxurious retreat has a mesmerizing asymmetrical form that boasts a glossy and matte composite skin –  making it seem like a precious black diamond wedged into the mountainside.

Designer: Tom Wiscombe

Designed by LA-based architect Tom Wiscombe, and quite rightfully dubbed the Dark Chalet, the impressive retreat is a 5900-square-foot geometric home built using black solar panels. The home is able to generate 300% of its own energy needs. As you enter the abode, you’ll be quite impressed, as the interiors are as exquisitely done as the exterior. The interior is open and free-flowing, and rather expansive, inviting you in and making you feel right at home. The structure holds five bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms. It is adorned with various star features such as a sculptural fireplace, a custom Boffi kitchen, and an LED light display recreating the Orion constellation.

The massive central fireplace draws a lot of attention, as it has been dramatically embedded into the glass-railed staircase that connects the various levels of the home. The space is accentuated with multiple floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to stream throughout the day. And at night, impressive light fixtures illuminate the space. As mentioned earlier, the dining room ceiling has been equipped with a fascinating LED installation that perfectly mimics the Orion constellation.

The Dark Chalet’s drool-worthy good looks and sense of style are balanced out by the use of sturdy and eco-friendly materials to construct it. The chalet perfectly balances aesthetics, functionality, utility, and sustainability, in turn, creating a haven that is worthy of its $15 million price tag…or is it a bit much? The residence would make for the ultimate weekend getaway if you’re willing to pay the rather heavy and dark price.

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Elevated Cabin In Brazil Provides An Immersive + Surreal Treetop Living Experience

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As a child, we’ve all dreamed of having a large enchanting treehouse in our backyards. A place we can play all day in, and spend our summer coasting above the ground, in the canopy of a beautiful tree. As an adult, we can actually make that dream come true with Casa Monoculo. Designed by Brasília-based architect Alan Chu, the Casa Monoculo is a contemporary Brazilian home that is situated above the densely forested area of Eldorado, a neighborhood of Alto Paraiso City. The stunning home is elevated above the ground and is designed to provide a unique twist on the concept of treetop living. But it is not simply an ordinary treehouse, it is spacious and modern, no different than any of the finely done villas you see today. It provides expansive views of the beautiful surroundings while creating a luxurious living experience.

Pros:

  • Provide a luxurious treetop living experience
  • Provides long stunning vistas of the city, sunrise, and the mountains

Cons:

  • Doesn’t seem like the house can accommodate a large number of guests, better suited for smaller parties

Designer: Alan Chu

The site is located near the city center, it required working with unusual conditions. Despite its location, it is surrounded by greenery and preserved Cerrado vegetation, which required the architect to adopt a sensitive approach. He elevated the structure from the ground, to ensure that no disturbance was caused to the existing nature, and no trees had to be cut down. As a result, the home is supported by 12 black metal pillars, five meters above the ground. It touches the ground quite lightly and also provides the residents with long stunning views of the city, sunrise, and the mountains in the distance.

Called Casa Monoculo, the house is named after the traditional monocle which translates to monóculo’ in Portuguese. The entire home was designed with the intention to frame experiences and capture and elevate the beautiful environment via the thoughtfully and well-done setup. An impressive winding staircase welcomes visitors from the ground to the house above, allowing them to connect to the surroundings on their way up.

“The Monóculo house has been designed to not only leave an everlasting memory of the view but to have provided its guests with a unique and unforgettable experience,” said Chu. And, truly the home functions as a warm, inviting, and spacious living setup that makes you feel truly connected with nature, and allows you to appreciate it admiringly from a distance.

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Minimal + tranquil seaside retreat is built using wood offcuts that were meant to be discarded

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Swedish firm Kolman Boye Architects recently completed a stunning retreat in Lillesand, Norway. The home is a pretty unique one since it utilizes offcut wood that would otherwise have been swiftly discarded. Deemed the Saltviga House, the home was built using 12,000 pieces of oak wood flooring materials. Architects Erik Kolman and Victor Boye who are the founders of Kolman Boye Architects got the idea for the home when they found out that the Danish flooring brand Dinesen had a lot of leftover materials available for use. “In our recent projects and in our teaching and research, we have come across Dinesen materials as both the traditional floors and as a scrap, a leftover, an offcut from the production of made-to-measure floors. Making and thinking with these leftovers from the production gave rise to the notion of making a building of them as a sympathetic way of using and ennobling scrap materials that would otherwise have been used as firewood. Besides being beautiful, the off-cuts are low in embodied carbon, and could offer an alternative to more commonly used and more carbon-intensive materials,” said the firm.

Pros:

  • Utilizes leftover offcut wood that would otherwise have been discarded
  • The offcuts used are an eco-friendly alternative to more carbon-intensive materials
  • The approach allows resources to be used frugally and smartly

Cons:

  • The windows on the ground floor are quite expansive, and don’t provide much privacy

Designer: Kolman Boye Architects

The project has been nicknamed “The House of Offcuts”. “It’s about using what’s available, of trying to find beautiful materials without clicking ‘order’ on a computer. When you look at old houses, they would always be built from the best materials available in close proximity,” he told Dezeen. “We wanted to explore how this thinking might look today,” said Boye.  It is situated on a rocky site located on the sea’s edge and is a newly built single-story home spread over five levels, this was done to minimize the impact on the landscape.

Instead of applying the wood randomly, the architect decided upon a single-layer stacking, that builds linear bands of different heights. “We tried stacking in different ways to help us understand how much material we would need, how it would look, and how much work would be involved to cut it to size and treat it,” said Kolman. The variety of color tones that were created as a result of this were quite visually appealing and pleasing. The entire home is made of three volumes, and one of the volume functions as a “wind barrier”, and is a connective element for the other main two buildings.

The interior of the home is spacious and welcoming, and the spaces are equipped with different ceiling heights on the ground floor. The connective volume is lined with long windows that provide expansive views of the sea. The interiors have also been marked with wood, especially Douglas fir cladding.

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