Tag Archives: Nature

Explore Elevated Living With This Holiday Home That Rises Into The Canopy

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Perched above the forest floor in Piha, New Zealand, the Kawakawa Bach by Herbst Architects reimagines what it means to build a beach house on challenging terrain. Completed in 2017, this raised structure doesn’t fight its steep, tree-covered site. Instead, it rises to meet the canopy, lifting residents into a world where ocean glimpses and dappled sunlight filter through native branches.

The design responds directly to its environment. The site’s dramatic topography could have been seen as an obstacle, but Herbst Architects treated it as an opportunity. By elevating the structure on a cantilevered platform, the house escapes the shadows of the dense forest below and captures views that would otherwise remain hidden. The result is a dwelling that hovers between earth and sky, creating an intimate relationship with the surrounding trees.

Designer: Herbst Architects

This isn’t a summer-only retreat. The brief called for a year-round beach house capable of withstanding Piha’s sometimes harsh coastal conditions while maintaining comfort across seasons. The architecture balances exposure with shelter, opening to the environment when conditions allow, while providing protection when the weather turns. Large windows frame the landscape like living artworks, bringing the outside world into every room.

The house’s success lies in how naturally it inhabits its setting. Rather than clearing the site to impose a building, the design weaves through existing vegetation. Living spaces and bedrooms occupy the elevated platform, where residents experience the sensation of dwelling within the forest itself. The cantilevered form creates a lightness that prevents the structure from overwhelming its surroundings, making the house feel like an organic extension of the landscape.

Recognition came swiftly. At the 2018 New Zealand Architecture Awards, Kawakawa Bach received the Sir Ian Athfield Award for Housing, the country’s most prestigious residential architecture honor. Judges praised the project’s engaging connections to its environment and its thoughtful response to a challenging site. The award validated what the design demonstrates so effectively: that careful architecture can enhance rather than diminish natural beauty.

The project represents a particular approach to coastal living. Many beach houses prioritize views through aggressive site manipulation, but Kawakawa Bach achieves visual connection through subtler means. By working with the site’s natural contours and existing vegetation, the house gains something more valuable than unobstructed vistas. It offers an immersive experience of place, where residents live not just near nature but genuinely within it. Herbst Architects, recipients of multiple NZIA awards, have built a reputation for work that responds sensitively to New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. Kawakawa Bach exemplifies this approach. The house proves that even on steep, heavily forested coastal sites, architecture can create generous living spaces that honor their surroundings. It’s a lesson in restraint, proving that sometimes the most powerful design move is knowing when to lift rather than clear away.

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This Swedish Tiny Cabin Starts At $16,600 & Brings Rustic Scandinavian Living Within Reach

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Sweden’s Vagabond Haven has crafted something special with the Nature Pod, a compact tiny house that proves you don’t need a massive budget to embrace small-space living. Starting at just €14,380 (roughly US$16,600), this charming cabin-inspired dwelling delivers rustic aesthetics without the premium price tag typically attached to custom tiny homes. The Nature Pod feels like a breath of fresh air in a market where prices keep climbing, offering an accessible entry point for anyone curious about downsizing. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, creating an open atmosphere that makes the compact footprint feel intentional rather than restrictive.

Measuring a modest 6 meters in length, the Nature Pod sits comfortably on a double-axle trailer, making it perfectly sized for European roads and regulations. What really sets this tiny house apart is its innovative construction method. Vagabond Haven eliminated traditional timber framing, replacing it with four inner-wall segments that support the outer walls built from 45-mm-thick ThermoWood. This streamlined approach reduces both material costs and assembly time while keeping the overall weight manageable. The engineered wood cladding and fiberglass roof shingles add durability without unnecessary expense, and buyers can even opt for an outdoor shower attachment for those warm summer evenings.

Design: Vagabond Haven

Inside, the wood-finished interior radiates warmth and invites relaxation. The living room and bedroom occupy the rear section, anchored by a stunning floor-to-ceiling window that frames the outdoors like living artwork. A sofa bed provides sleeping space for two, with enough room for additional seating during waking hours. The layout feels intuitive, with the bedroom positioned to capture the best views while maintaining privacy from the rest of the home. Everything about this space encourages you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings.

The kitchen occupies a central position and embraces minimalism out of necessity. A small fridge, sink, and two-burner propane cooktop handle essential meal preparation, while cabinetry provides storage for dishes and pantry items. Space remains for either a wardrobe or a wood-burning stove, letting owners customize based on their priorities and climate needs. The propane cooktop offers flexibility for off-grid living situations where electrical connections aren’t available. At the front of the home, the bathroom keeps things simple and functional with a toilet, sink, and shower—all the necessities without excess. The straightforward design makes cleaning easy and maintenance minimal.

Vagabond Haven includes ventilation and electrical installation in the base price, though the starting cost excludes furniture. The real customization potential emerges through the extensive options list. Buyers can choose between mounting the home on a trailer for mobility or placing it on simple foundations for a permanent installation. Off-grid enthusiasts can add solar panels and battery systems to achieve complete energy independence, though these upgrades will substantially increase the final price. The flexibility here means you can start basic and add features as your budget allows.

The Nature Pod represents a refreshing approach to tiny house design. It strips away unnecessary complexity while preserving the essential elements that make small-space living appealing. The rustic aesthetic feels genuine rather than manufactured, and the Scandinavian influence brings a sense of calm simplicity to every detail. For those ready to downsize without compromising on style or comfort, this compact cabin offers a genuinely accessible way into the tiny house movement.

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5 Architect-Designed Homes That Disappear Into the Landscape

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The concept of home is evolving, shifting from mere shelter to spaces that genuinely nurture our well-being. This means creating a harmonious connection with nature by designing homes that don’t just occupy land, but feel like an extension of it. Achieving this requires thoughtful choices in design and materials, starting with a deep understanding of the very ground on which the home will rise.

This approach goes beyond mere aesthetics. Homes that integrate seamlessly with nature are naturally more energy-efficient, healthier, and more serene. By harnessing natural light, enhancing ventilation, and selecting materials with minimal environmental impact, we can create spaces that are visually captivating and also supportive of the planet and our personal well-being.

1. The Art of Site-Specific Design

Before a single line is drawn, one must first understand the site. The architect walks the land at different times of day, noting where the sun rises and sets and feeling the direction of evening breezes. They observe how rainwater flows, where mature trees stand, and the natural contours of the terrain. Each detail informs the design, ensuring the home responds to its surroundings rather than resists them.

A house created with this awareness naturally harmonizes with the environment. It reduces reliance on artificial heating and cooling while preserving the land’s inherent beauty, resulting in a dwelling that feels both enduring and alive.

In the hills of Harriman State Park, New York, the Black Villa was designed as a striking, contemporary-style hobbit hole. Its most notable feature is a lush, grass-covered roof that integrates the home with its natural surroundings. Green roofs have steadily gained popularity over the past decade for their environmental and economic benefits. They provide natural insulation, reducing energy consumption and keeping rooftop temperatures 30–40°F cooler than conventional rooftops. The Black Villa further enhances efficiency through skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows, while also mitigating stormwater runoff, which is a feature especially useful in areas with poor drainage.

Despite its impressive design, situating the Black Villa within a national park raises questions about sustainability. Construction inevitably disrupts the existing landscape, making the eco-friendly elements feel partly aesthetic rather than fully functional. While the project may inspire interest in green roof architecture, its energy-efficient features appear more as part of the home’s visual appeal than as a model of practical environmental stewardship.

2. Rooted in Natural Materials

Material choice plays a pivotal role in shaping a home. Architects focus on what is locally available and has a low environmental impact. Wood, stone, and bamboo are not only beautiful but also often renewable and sustainably sourced. Traditional materials like rammed earth and clay plaster are experiencing a resurgence, valued for their natural insulation, breathability, and enduring appeal.

These materials do more than form walls as they give a home character, texture, and a unique story. By connecting the building to its environment, they create spaces that feel alive, timeless, and deeply rooted in the land they inhabit.

EARTH villa, designed by internationally acclaimed architect Sou Fujimoto for NOT A HOTEL, transforms the idea of a vacation home into a seamless blend of sustainability, futuristic design, and natural beauty. Located on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, the villa sits within a natural preserve, offering panoramic ocean views and lush greenery. Its bold circular layout encloses a private courtyard, while curved glass walls maximize natural light and sightlines, creating effortless indoor-outdoor transitions. The living green roof, covered with native grasses, provides insulation, reduces rainwater runoff, and supports local wildlife, making the villa eco-conscious and visually striking.

Inside, minimalist interiors with natural wood accents and earth tones create warmth and tranquility. Sustainable systems, including passive ventilation, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting, reduce environmental impact. EARTH offers luxury, flexibility, and hotel-level services, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying comfort and environmental stewardship at its finest.

3. Harness Light and Air

Sunlight and fresh air are among the most sustainable and beautiful elements a home can embrace. Architects design spaces to maximize natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting while enhancing the interior ambiance. Large windows oriented toward the sun (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere) capture winter warmth, creating naturally cozy spaces.

Thoughtful placement of windows and doors encourages cross-ventilation, allowing cool breezes to flow through the home. This reduces the need for mechanical cooling on many days. By prioritizing light and air, a house becomes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and in harmony with its environment.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Nashtarood, House Under the Hill is an architectural marvel that blends seamlessly with its landscape. Much of the home is tucked beneath a living roof, echoing the surrounding terrain and allowing the structure to almost disappear into its site. Fluid forms, gentle curves, and careful play of light and shadow reveal the dwelling subtly, while broad glass panels frame views of the pool and greenery, merging interior and exterior. The palette of concrete, wood, and glass creates modern elegance, and open, flowing spaces connect the kitchen, dining, and lounge areas. Bedrooms and bathrooms are oriented for privacy, natural light, and tranquility, enhancing a sense of retreat.

The green roof provides insulation, reduces environmental impact, and harmonizes the home with its surroundings. Outdoor terraces and pool areas offer year-round comfort, while integrated storage, durable materials, and soft, responsive lighting enhance functionality. House Under the Hill embodies a modern approach to living that belongs to the earth, offering a protective, nurturing, and adaptable sanctuary.

4. Integrate the Indoors and Outdoors

A home should feel connected to the natural world rather than isolated from it. Architects often use large glass sliding doors to merge indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing light and views to flow freely. Patios, decks, and other outdoor living areas are designed for easy access from main living zones, encouraging a fluid relationship with nature.

Thoughtful landscaping with native plants further blurs the boundary between house and environment. These spaces offer quiet retreats and areas for social gatherings, creating a home that celebrates the outdoors while remaining comfortable, functional, and deeply in tune with its surroundings.

The Space is a sustainable smart home where fully autonomous utilities combine advanced technology with modern comfort. Developed by Stockholm-based iOhouse, it functions entirely off the grid, with water, electricity, heating, and Wi-Fi all controlled through a smartphone. Solar panels and a 220V generator supply power, while an air heat pump and integrated climate controls maintain year-round comfort. A built-in water and sewer system ensures clean water and plumbing wherever the home is placed. The exterior features a sleek, futuristic design with industrial-tech elements, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that connect the interior with nature.

Inside, an open-floor layout with natural wood floors and muted gray tones creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every detail, right from fixtures and fittings to room shapes, has been carefully designed for comfort and aesthetics. With its smart systems and autonomous utilities, The Space allows residents to live freely, sustainably, and harmoniously with the environment.

5. Water Management and Conservation

A sustainable home carefully considers how it manages water. Beyond conserving tap water, it works with the rain that falls on the property. Rainwater harvesting systems can collect and store water for irrigation and other non-potable uses, reducing reliance on municipal supply.

Landscaping with rain gardens and using permeable paving allows stormwater to be absorbed naturally, preventing soil erosion and replenishing groundwater. By thoughtfully managing water on-site, a home supports the local ecosystem, minimizes environmental impact, and demonstrates how small, intentional steps can create meaningful, lasting benefits for both the property and the surrounding landscape.

Nestled in the tropics where lush forest meets a serene lake, the Blue Water Lily Villa is a fairytale-like architectural masterpiece. Inspired by biomimicry, its design mirrors the delicate elegance of a water lily while remaining practical and sustainable. Comprising two two-story structures with direct lake access, the villas appear to float on the water’s edge. Petal-like forms rise gracefully from the landscape, creating layers that unfold like a blooming lily. The lower level features an open-plan living and dining area that flows seamlessly toward a small pool, framed by the lake and surrounding greenery.

Upstairs, cozy bedrooms open onto cantilevered seating, offering elevated views of the natural surroundings. Prefabricated metal elements and locally sourced bamboo form delicate, translucent “petals,” blending aesthetics with sustainability. At night, soft pink uplights illuminate the fabric-covered petals, transforming the villa into a glowing, magical water lily, harmonizing architecture, nature, and modern comfort.

Creating a home in harmony with nature is a journey of intention and care. It moves beyond shelter to craft a sanctuary that nurtures its inhabitants and the environment. By thoughtfully choosing materials and design, the home listens to the land, embraces its rhythms, and stands as a lasting testament to mindful and sustainable living.

The post 5 Architect-Designed Homes That Disappear Into the Landscape first appeared on Yanko Design.

Spirituality and Sustainable Innovation Unite in Architectural Splendor at the MycoTemple

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In a world marked by rapid urbanization and the relentless march of concrete and steel, a unique sanctuary has emerged, standing as a testament to the power of spirituality and sustainable innovation. Côme Di Meglio’s MycoTemple is a transformative living structure that harnesses the astonishing capabilities of mycelium, creating a biodegradable domed space for physical and spiritual transformation.

Designer: Côme Di Meglio

At first glance, MycoTemple is a marvel of art and architecture, a five-meter-wide domed structure that seems to rise from the Earth itself. However, what truly sets it apart is its construction material: mycelium, the intricate underground network of fungi that has the remarkable ability to grow structures. Concealed within this mycelium marvel is a hand-carved wooden structure, hidden from view and only revealed as the mycelium gradually biodegrades over time, returning to the soil from where it came.

Stepping into MycoTemple is like stepping into another realm. Its thick, mycelium-based walls insulate visitors from the clamor of the outside world, creating a serene cocoon of tranquility. Within the semi-darkness, one becomes enveloped by an intriguing material, rich in textures and colors. Some areas feel rough, reminiscent of minerals, while others are soft and velvety, akin to the gentle touch of skin. Every square centimeter is a microscopic landscape meant to be explored, contemplated, and caressed. The immersive scent of the underwood establishes an intimate connection between visitors and the environment, enhancing the sensory experience.

The sensory immersion within this living organism, crafted into an architectural wonder, triggers a heightened state of awareness and a profound sense of presence. MycoTemple invites us to delve deep within ourselves, tapping into something primal and ancient that resides within each of us.

Beyond its artistic and architectural allure, MycoTemple serves a higher purpose as a space designed to foster a diverse range of collective experiences and communal events. It is a place for gatherings, concerts, and quiet moments of contemplation. Di Meglio envisions the dome as a vessel for emotions and dreams, and he notes, “All the emotions and dreams birthed in the dome will nurture this porous material.”

More than just a space for individual introspection, MycoTemple is designed to nurture our essential connection to the living world. It also serves as a place to strengthen our bonds with others. The shape of the dome itself harks back to ancestral dwellings, reminiscent of the caves where early humans sought shelter from external dangers. It’s a form that has been embraced by countless cultures around the world in sacred architecture—places where communities would gather in circles to share stories, ignite shared imaginations, and weave narratives that solidify their sense of belonging to a greater whole.

The gradual biodegradation of MycoTemple is an integral part of its aesthetic experience. It invites visitors to return throughout the seasons, providing an opportunity to witness the passage of time and the organic process of decay and renewal. It’s a reminder that all things are in a constant state of change, and it invites us to reflect on our transient existence.

The entire process of cultivating the mycelium, from its inception to the completion of MycoTemple, unfolded in Di Meglio’s artist studio in Marseille. Utilizing a low-tech approach and repurposed industrial waste, particularly sawdust, the design team grew the architectural-sized dome segments. This exploration of bio-material innovation showcases the potential of sustainable materials and practices in architecture.

MycoTemple is a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and spirituality coming together in harmony. It challenges our preconceptions about the permanence of structures and encourages us to reconnect with nature. As we stand in awe of this living sanctuary, we are reminded of the transformative potential that lies at the intersection of art, architecture, and the natural world. MycoTemple is not just a physical structure; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of the Earth’s remarkable regenerative capabilities.

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