Wood-cladded dwelling in Chile with ocean views

Casa El Pangue stands on a steep slope facing the ocean in rural area of El Pangue, Chile. Designed by Elton+Leniz Arquitectos Asociados, the 4,703 square foot (437 square meters) house is organized with a central vertical circulation, connecting the four levels and three terraces, in order to get as much of the view of the Pacific Ocean as possible, taking advantage of the height offered by the natural slope of the site.

Each level contains a different part of the program; access is through the lower level, where you find parking, storage and an open shower. The next level houses the public zones of the house, such as the kitchen, play room, dining room and living room. The third level features bedrooms and the family room, and the fourth the main bedroom.

The constructive system is generated upon sustaining concrete walls that terraces the site in three levels. The fourth level was designed as a lightweight structure with wood siding. The living room level appears as a great terrace surrounded by planters, which replace the railings.

Photos: Natalia Vial

Contemporary glass house in New York

This 1950’s ranch house was brought into the 21st century and integrated with the landscape in Sands Point, New York, by studio Ohlhausen DuBois Architects. A glass pavilion for the daily living, cooking and dining activities was added to the original structure. This glass pavilion ties into a series of terraces, gardens, swimming pool and outdoor living spaces.

The addition of the glass pavilion allows the house to extend out into the property. The use of glass on three sides contrasts with the more closed nature of the original structure, which was converted to bedrooms, bathrooms, and a study. The gardens and outdoor living spaces were designed simultaneously with the glass pavilion and were conceived as extensions of the new indoor living spaces.

The architects incorporated sustainability into their project, which includes, “reuse the existing structure and as much of the landscape as we could, which allowed us to take advantage of the mature plantings and the good south facing orientation of the original house. Highly insulate the existing house and install high performance windows and glass doors. Minimize summer cooling with high performance glazing, deep overhangs, and good sun screening. Minimize winter heating with dark stone floors and a radiant heating system.”

Charming sanctuary surrounded by a tropical garden

This luxurious villa is within the attractive countryside of Tarifa, Spain, not too far from the beaches. Natural beauty, peace and harmony intertwine in this beautiful home that facilitates comfort and rest. It consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and several outdoor terraces with magnificent views. This lovely house features 2,690 square feet (250 square meters) of living space with a capacity for six people, built in a Moorish style. As a mean of unifying all the spaces, all the flooring is of polished concrete and the predominance of natural materials such as stone and wooden beams. There are exposed stone walls, whitewashed work benches and solid wood untreated and in harmony with modern sculptures, design lamps and classic seating of the 20th century.

The house is oriented towards the South and is located in the Natural Park of Los Alcornocales one of the largest parks in Europe. The house is surrounded by a tropical garden with a small pond with water lily leaves. In order to enjoy the outside, the villa has three porches with different orientations. The estate is crossed by a Stony River with oleanders and populated by many turtles. Just 10 minutes from the farm, you can swim in a natural pool in a tropical paradise. The organic farm is working with solar panels and a generator. The villa is an idyllic place, privileged, quiet and with no nearby roads. The owners are a pair of Belgians who desired to have a vacation retreat in a warmer climate. The home is also used as a vacation rental for the periods of time when they are not staying the home.

To stay at this beautiful retreat, prices range from $1,573 – $3,147 per week, from here.

Östermalm penthouse with fabulous rooftop deck

This fabulous apartment, spotted on Sotheby’s Realty, is a unique split-level floor plan in three planes at the top of a classical building built in 1914 in Stockholm, Sweden. The flat offers light drenched interiors, six magnificent terraces offering sun throughout the day and extensive views over the city of Stockholm. A welcoming entrance opens onto a voluminous living room with fireplace, large windows and beautiful original details. There is also a bedroom/guest room with en-suite bathroom.

Upstairs, is the bulk of the residence with a fully equipped kitchen with French doors which spills out onto a terrace. The kitchen flows into an open plan lounge with dining area and living room overlooking the park with three small terraces. The four bedrooms on this floor all face towards an inner courtyard for more privacy. A large master bathroom features a sauna with a separate water closet. The top floor offers a living room with a fireplace which leads to a stunning rooftop terrace of 200 square feet. This beautiful oasis boasts magnificent 360-degree views above the city’s rooftops.

Sustainable straw bale house in Santa Cruz

This incredible straw bale house is located two blocks from the ocean in Santa Cruz, California, designed by Arkin Tilt Architects. Their clients are avid surfers and professors of Biology and Environmental Studies, who wished to push the ecological envelope while providing a fun, comfortable house for their family of six, along with a second unit for rental or aging parents. The exuberant south facade and generous terraces play off the lively public space while taking advantage of the western shading of the creek-side sycamore trees. The street-side presence is more subdued with smaller glimpses of the lively spaces within through a thick, insulating straw-bale wall.

Combining cutting-edge mechanical technology with natural building techniques, passive solar strategies, and locally sourced elements, this house is designed for net-zero energy and minimal carbon footprint. Straw-bale walls wrap the north and west, while the wood framed south wall opens up to the sun, bringing daylight deep into the living space via extensive glazing. The spacious, naturally ventilated 2-story space is accentuated with the natural branching of a madrone tree, and counter-balanced by an intimate living space with a bay rotated towards the park.

Each space serves several functions, shifting and changing with the seasons as light and shadow play through it. To add a touch of wit, the exposed framing in the stairwell becomes a bookcase display, and a built-in bench off the upper hall marks the entry below. The building’s impact is reduced through the use of recycled and salvaged doors, interior windows, flooring and driftwood pickets, as well as a driftwood column at the entry. Open and intimate, flexible and efficient, budget-conscious, and playful in overall form and detail, this house speaks to the specificity of its place, reflecting the consciousness and vibe of its urban Santa Cruz site.

The spacious, naturally ventilated 2-story dining space is accentuated with the natural branching of a madrone tree.

Ground floor bay window provides seating and storage.

Straw-bale walls wrap the north and west, while the wood framed south wall opens up to the sun, bringing daylight deep into the living space via extensive glazing.

The exposed framing at the top of the stairs provides ample storage & display space.

A built-in bench off the upper hall marks the entry below. Exposed framing maximizes the storage and display possibilities.

Playful upstairs bathroom with recycled glass Vetrazzo countertop.

Internal bridge leads to master bedroom & overlooks dining area

The entry features a driftwood column.

Photos: Ed Caldwell Photography

Striking beachfront pad with views of South Beach

This stunning modern masterpiece, spotted on Sotheby’s Realty, features uninterrupted views of Biscayne Bay and skyline views of South Beach on the island’s most coveted residential street in Miami, Florida. Designed by architect Ralph Choeff and interior designer Briggs Edwards, this fabulous home features 12 foot high ceilings and spacious interiors. Contemporary, casual design with warm, organic materials including coral rock, white oak floors and Zen gardens make 20,000-plus square feet of over-sized rooms feel like an intimate home. South Florida’s famous indoor/outdoor lifestyle at its finest with covered terraces, vanishing edge heated pool, outdoor kitchen and rooftop deck. Standalone gym featuring steam room is fitness fanatic’s paradise.

Entertain to impress with gourmet kitchen, home theater and surround sound throughout. Additional features includes entertainment room, library/sitting room, nine bedrooms, eleven bathrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, including a 2,200 master bedroom including atrium, guest suite overlooking the bay with skyline views, kids playroom, midnight kitchen, outdoor terrace with full bar, 3,000 square foot game room, courtyard atrium and a maids room. There is also a private exterior guest house on the bay with a spacious bedroom, full bath and midnight kitchen. Ultimate privacy guaranteed through gated, walled property line, 16 security cameras and 275 feet of water frontage with two docks.

This fabulous masterpiece with all of its incredible luxuries is listed at a whopping $38,000,000, from here.

17th century mill converted into a charming hotel

In the town of Champagnac de Belair, in the region of Périgord, France, lies this authentic 17th century mill that has been converted into a charming hotel, le Moulin du Roc. Built on the River Dronne in 1670, the hotel’s fifteen rooms are distributed between the three parts of the Mill and are connected by a merry labyrinth of walkways, terraces and intimate staircases. Every room oozes charm with a blend of period furniture, bare beams and all the modern comforts. Some of the rooms are further enhanced by a private terrace, all looking onto the river that flows through the gardens. The hotel grounds are lushly landscaped with an herbal garden, beautiful swimming pool as well as a cozy lounge and gourmet restaurants which offer riverside dining.

Prices for this idyllic retreat ranges from 12 Rooms: $208 – $245 and 3 Suite/Apartment(s): $270 – $355, from here.

Ultra-chic seaside home in South Africa

La Lucia is a stunning family holiday beach house on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa designed by SAOTA Architects. The home has been sensitively designed to the landscape, gently nestled between protected milkwood trees. The entrance is flanked by two of the milkwood trees, which opens up to a double-volume hallway featuring a cinematic panorama of views. The ceilings are clad with aligned timber slats, drawing the eye to the distant seascape.

Here is a brief description of the project from the architects, “The ground level can be enjoyed as one continuous space or arranged into more individual and private spaces. All the spaces open up either onto the sea facing pool deck or to the afternoon sun lit garden on the West. The four sea-facing bedrooms are located on the upper level and open onto private individual terraces.

The East sea-facing facade is ‘wrapped’ with a series of bronzed anodized aluminium sliding screens that cocoon the structure entirely or in part. The screens, inspired by the milkwood trees, create the home’s signature. The Interiors by Antoni Associates express simplicity and restraint while making the home comfortable and cozy. Sand-colored polished concrete floors, bleached timber, natural leathers and grey linens, are anchored by soft neutrals and countered with touches of charcoal, teal and azure.”

Visit the SAOTA website – here.

Visit the Antoni Associates website – here.

Photos: Karl Beath

East Village penthouse featuring a helical slide

This sensational penthouse duplex apartment in Manhattan’s East Village, New York features floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible city views in every direction, and a custom sculptural slide that combines the two floors. This convertible four bedroom, four bathroom home is comprised of over 2700-square feet of living space and is accessed through a private keyed elevator. Features include a media/game room, home office, 18-foot double height atrium, two large glass walled terraces, a private roof deck, along with a beautiful Italian-made Rintal staircase, as an alternative way down to the first floor. The kitchen is fully equipped with upgraded appliances, Oyster Stone countertops with glass and lacquer cabinetry and white maple hardwood floors throughout. This is the perfect home for work, live and play.

The penthouse is listed for sale at $3,990,000 from here.