Monk’s Shadow Residence in Arizona

The roof of the lowest level forms the deck of the main public/family level. This deck is divided in to a kitchen and dining side that bridges to the main living area deck. All materials are chosen to be in harmony with the natural surrounding. Hardscape, including the concrete pavers on the deck, resemble the finish and color of the natural desert floor. Copper accents weather to a natural patina complimenting the iron rich strata found in the surrounding rock formations. Integral colored hard troweled synthetic plaster is colored to compliment the indigenous creosote, Palo Verde, mesquite and ironwood found on site. Sustainable features include low-e glazing throughout, zoned high efficiency climate control systems, ample daylighting reducing need for electric light, expanded cell foam insulation providing extraordinary r-values and reduced air infiltration and acoustic benefits, cross air ventilation reducing need for mechanical conditioning, mechanized window shading and deep overhangs to shade and protect openings, exposed concrete floors reducing floor coverings and adhesives, and xeriscape landscaping designed to assist with interior cooling.

Kona Residence by Belzberg Architects

The program is arranged as a series of pods distributed throughout the property, each having its own unique features and view opportunities. The pods are programmatically assigned as two sleeping pods with common areas, media, master suite and main living space. A central axis becomes the organizational and focal feature for the entire house, connecting each of the pods through an exterior gallery corridor.

To help maintain the environmental sensitivity of the house, 2 separate arrays of roof mounted photovoltaic panels offset the residence energy usage while the choice of darker lava stone help heat the pool water via solar radiation. Rain water collection and redirection to 3 drywells that replenish the aquifer are implemented throughout the property. Reclaimed teak timber from older barns and train tracks are recycled for the exterior of the home. Together with stacked and cut lava rock, the two materials form a historically driven medium embedded in Hawaiian tradition. 3-D modeling and digital fabrication through CNC machinery was incorporated to further enhance traditional elements in a contemporary arrangement. Local basket weaving culture was the inspiration for the entry pavilion which reenacts the traditional gift upon arrival ceremony. CNC milled ceilings and screens throughout the house continue the abstract approach to traditional Hawaiian wood carving. Source

As the entry opens to the living spaces the apertures transform in scale to reveal the expansive landscape in its entirety. At the southwest corner thirty feet of glass retracts into the walls, dissolving the boundary between the domestic and the wild; the living spaces are then bounded only by the uplifted cliffs beyond. A simple stair cantilevers from the stone wall. Climbing the stairs, the foreground, mid range, and ridge views are sequentially revealed. Experientially scissoring into the landscape and back into the house the stairs connect the mountain park with the house. The west wall of glazing extends the western room boundaries to the wall of rock and meadows beyond. Source

Luxury House Design Ideas of Tay Residence by Omiros One Architecture

The forms are generated by the volumes which are responsive to the uses and the architectonics result from the orientational directives; protecting the building from the harsh western sun and filtering the morning sun. The double volumes of the informal spaces link the upper level sleeping areas and the lower level guest facilities, creating a variety of spaces at their intersection which allow for the casual interaction between the occupants.

The external finishes are stainless steel cladding and oxidized copper panels with glass balustrades. Internally, the two-storey high main entry hall becomes the central focus around which all internal spaces revolve, featuring a large elliptical rooflight, circular stair and inclined glass curtain wall. The interior finishes scheme combines warm tones of natural stone with accents of black marble, granite and glass. (Source : Omiros One Architecture)

Steel Framed Beach House by Kanner Architects

Expansive walls of glass create a see-through house from almost every direction even for rooms relegated toward the back allowing for ocean views from every room. This visual transparency translates into a physical model for natural cross-ventilation in almost every direction thru-out the house. Privacy is softly regulated by shear white PVC mesh or “veils” attached within the framework, especially in the more exposed areas.

At nigh, the house becomes a glowing white lantern with brief glimpses of domestic activity beyond. The pool deck is integrated into the house as an extension of the living room interior. Source

Scholl Residence by Studio B Architects

The exterior of the ‘Scholl Residence’ by Studio B Architects has zinc panels, a door glazing system and tempered glass railings. The contemporary interior of the home is mostly made up of oak wood, with some marble here and there.

The lower level is completely below grade and houses the formal gallery space, large wine cellar and provides two guest suites with an attached massage room. The entry level offers the client’s office, a guest bedroom, laundry/mudroom area and the garage. The upper level contains the living, dining, kitchen, master suite and opens to the balcony and private garden with access to a roof terrace via a cantilevered steel stair. A small dumbwaiter shuttles wine from cellar to rooftop. Source

Pacific Coast Highway Houses by Kanner Architects

From architect :
Situated along one of the busiest, although also most scenic, highways of the Southren California, the PCH houses are two neighboring structures designed simultaneously for the same client. The dual design assignment came with baggage. For starters, the project was already designed and permitted when handed over for a redesign that would not alter plans significantly enough to require a re-initiation of the approval process. A second problem was dealing with reality of being nestled between an asphalt highway and a surf-splattered beachfront.

Beginning with the existing form of the house, the redesign employed a de Stijl flavor with a system of planar forms and reveals inside and out. Each side of the building addresses its own situation. On the highway facing side, the house present a protective stance. A facade of planes and reveals allows an emotional connection at the same time it cordons off traffic. Openings are limited to where necessary, thereby preventing noise and preserving privacy. The houses present themselves to the Pacific Ocean in a much more open and receptive fashion, whit walls of glass and three levels of decks that provide an inside/outside continuity. Source

The house was on a very tight budget. The design, both inside and out, creates charm out of simplicity of form, space, and selective use of materials. The goal was not to spread the dollars too thinly. An aesthetic was developed to allow for simple lines, with no crown-molding, simple or no trim, etc. This was balanced by choosing high-quality materials where needed to carry the day for character, e.g., a reclaimed wood floor with a special finish.

This is gorgeous house design ideas. Charming see-through fireplace and elegant bay window create an inviting atmosphere at the living room. A large Family room with media center, fireplace and a wall of glass overlooks at the rear yard terrace.