Architects Bosworth Hoedemaker revived this building from a 1950s boat shed into a rich light filled little escape. Obvious inspiration was drawn from nautical design and the utilitarian interior ends up being equal parts function and comfort. The Hood Canal Boathouse as it has been named can open up on warm days to embrace the amazing view or be all shuttered up to greet a storm. Simple explorations in living space such as this are really inspiring to me because they help us understand how we can live with less space and thus a smaller foot print.

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After a visit to Orcas Island many years ago the client for Eagle Ridge Residence decided she would one day live there. Decades went by and finally she was able to purchase a small forested lot with a variety of trees and views looking out over the San Jaun and Canadian Gulf Islands. Gary Gladwish Architects solved the design for this house by creating equal parts finished and unfinished space. The section that was left raw is for both storage and studio space, but will eventually be converted to more additional living space. Another important aspect of the design are the glass walls, which were constructed in such a way that they can slide out of the way opening the interior to nature and in turn the views.

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I find myself posting about Andersson-Wise multiple times per week and I think that is a true testament to the skill.

Amongst ponderosa pines and looking out over a shale cliff onto Montana’s Flat Head Lake this modern cabin is equally a home as it is an observation point. From he protected porch or the cantilevered deck that juts out into the trees I can definitely see how you could just sit back and take in the beauty of the outdoors. An ever increasing need I feel is to have a greater, or at least stronger bond and friendship between architecture and nature.

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The work of Andersson-Wise is always inspiring and each project is so unique, while embodying their style and sensibilities.

“In considering an addition to the original stone lodge at this Lake Travis property in Texas, USA, the notion of a tower was born out of several factors: taking advantage of views, minimizing the footprint on the site, and accommodating the rising flood plain elevation.”

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This utilitarian beach getaway in New Zealand was designed by Crosson Clarke Carnachan Architects with a subtle rustic exterior and a magnificently crafted interior. The design also really maximizes the view with an aircraft carrier scale deck and a broad opening from the living space of the house directly out on it.

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Architect Go Hasegawa is known for his approach of investigating the connection and play between a houses inside and outside spaces. Here the house and it’s design create a massive protected concrete deck to entertain a large group of friends and family. The design itself also mimics the slender trees of it’s surroundings

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This new house built in a pine forest in Brandenburg was designed to fit in with it surroundings both natural and manmade. In contrast it has details that make certain aspects stick out, such as the white painted window framing, which alludes to the stark white interior. The design of Waldhaus was carried out by Atelier St. I think by far my favorite part has to be the kitchen. It is the only part of the house where the raw color and texture of wood has been left and I think it really brightens up and makes that room feel more lively.

(via SUBTILITAS »)

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Recently I have seen quite a bit more architecture in the vain of cabins and vacation homes that cut through the conventions. Bigger is better and lavish is living. After living in New York City for a few years I have learned that space is a commodity, but like a $20 Martini you can make do without. From a closet sized room in a small apartment to an even smaller apartment I share with a girlfriend and a dog I have learned both to share, shed unneeded things, and above all maximize space.

I have posted about Olson Kundig Architects before mainly because there work is unique, slightly industrial while still being homey. The function and craft behind their work shows through. In the case of their False Bay Writer’s Cabin they have created a tiny minimal retreat, which when it is not being used can fold up and protect itself from the elements.

(via Dwell »)

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