Do you have a home that feels small and cramped? Discover our top five tips for making your property feel brighter, more open, and spacious!
Written by
Marcelo Brahimllari
In the heart of the lush green forests of northern Iran, Villa of Paradise Platform awaits you as a sanctuary of tranquility and natural beauty. This villa, designed in a modern style and inspired by nature, is an ideal place to escape from the daily grind and experience special moments with family and friends.
Project name
Villa of Paradise Platform: A Place Where Nature is Hidden
Architecture firm
Norouzdesign Architecture Studio
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Mohammadreza Norouz
Collaborators
Mohammadreza Norouz
Typology
Residential › Villa, Hospitality, Tourist Complex
Nestled within the lush embrace of Thailand’s tropical forest, this modern villa stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of architecture and nature. Drawing inspiration from the elegant simplicity of Japanese design principles, this residence embodies a unique blend of contemporary aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship.
Project name
The Concrete House
Architecture firm
Rabani Design
Tools used
Midjourney AI, Adobe Photoshop
Principal architect
Mohammad Hossein Rabbani Zade
Design team
Rabani Design
Collaborators
Mohammad Hossein Rabbani Zade, Morteza Vazirpour
Typology
Residential › Villa
The house in Guarujá, located in the city of Guarujá on the coast of São Paulo, sits within a gated community that is part of a protected area of the original Atlantic Forest.
Project name
Guarujá House
Architecture firm
Nitsche Arquitetos
Location
Guarujá, São Paulo, Brazil
Typology
Residential › House
Zane Carter Architects proudly unveils Ripple House, a sculptural expression of fluidity and connection, inspired by the graceful, ever-changing dance of water droplets. This lyrical concept ripples through every detail of the home, creating an immersive, ever-evolving experience of space, light, and materiality.
Project name
Ripple House
Architecture firm
Zane Carter Architects
Location
Brighton Le Sands NSW, Australia
Photography
Archphoto – Andreas Bommert
Principal architect
Sam Alawie
Interior design
Sam Alawie, Zane Carter Architects
Built area
190 m² per dwelling
Site area
311 m² per dwelling
Civil engineer
Sydney Structural and Civil Engineering
Structural engineer
CSY Engineering
Landscape
Studio Botanica
Lighting
Zane Carter Architects
Supervision
Zane Carter Architects
Tools used
AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop
Construction
Qudo Projects
Material
Materials: o Aluminium Screen – A defining feature of the home, the screen is crafted from laser-cut aluminium metal with a custom-designed pattern. This allows for dynamic light play, while also providing privacy and shading, adding both functionality and sculptural beauty to the façade. o Rendered Finishes – The exterior incorporates render and stone cladding, creating a clean, monolithic, and elegant façade that emphasizes the home’s bold yet minimalist aesthetic. o Venetian Plaster – A standout element, Venetian plaster is used at the entryway and on the front door, creating an earthy, cave-like entrance with a concealed door for a seamless look. This textured plaster finish continues throughout the home in transitional spaces and feature walls, adding depth and warmth to the interiors. o Glass & Skylights – Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing and skylights maximize natural light, enhancing the home’s open and airy feel while fostering a strong connection between the interior and exterior. Bronze color-backed glass introduces a subtle textural contrast, adding a sense of luxury and refinement while mirroring the shimmering effect of water—tying back to the home's concept. o Natural Stone – Calacatta marble, known for its striking veining and timeless elegance, is used in key areas such as the kitchen, bar, and bathroom vanities, elevating the sense of sophistication and luxury. o Porcelain Tiles – Throughout the home, porcelain tiles mimic the look of natural stone, offering a sustainable and antimicrobial alternative while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. o Timber Elements – Rich natural oak is used in cabinetry and upstairs flooring, introducing warmth and contrast against the otherwise minimalist surfaces. The organic texture of timber softens the overall aesthetic, creating a sense of inviting comfort. o Brushed Metal Accents – Fixtures and finishes in brushed brass and bronze add subtle sophistication, complementing the modern aesthetic and reinforcing the warm, luxurious undertones of the design
Budget
$1.8million ($900,000 per dwelling)
Client
Zane Carter Developments
Typology
Residential › House, Residencial, Attached Dual Occupancy (Strata Titled)
Nestled in picturesque Sun Valley, this residence is a testament to the seamless integration of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. Adorned with authentic hand-hewn heavy timber and stone with big grout joints reminiscent of old-world craftsmanship, the home imparts a warm and lived-in feel appropriate for a full time family residence.
Project name
Pioneer Ranch
Architecture firm
Farmer Payne Architects
Location
Sun Valley, Idaho, USA
Principal architect
Scott Payne
Collaborators
Sawtooth Construction
Interior design
Suede Studio
Structural engineer
Frost Structural Engineers
Landscape
Ben Young Landscape Architects
Visualization
Farmer Payne Architects
Material
Stone, Wood, Steel
Typology
Residential › House
A simple house of rectangular plan with a gable roof respecting the local character of the countryside and buildings is located at the end of a cul-de-sac, which is followed by fields and meadows. Because of its direct contact with the surrounding greenery, it looks as if it grew naturally out of it.
Project name
Rodinný dom Skalka nad Váhom
Architecture firm
Monmaratelier | BOSAK
Location
Skalka nad Váhom, Slovakia
Principal architect
Marek Ivanko, Monika Ivanková, Lukáš Bosák
Design team
Marek Ivanko, Monika Ivanková, Ladislav Bosák, Lukáš Bosák
Collaborators
Martin Kocúr (Statika), Tomáš Kocúr (Statika), Andrea Pilchová (ZTI, vykurovanie), Anton Horváth (elektroinštalácie), Miloš Surjak (elektroinštalácie), Zuzana Lacová (požiarna ochrana), Matej Hakár
Interior design
Monmaratelier
Civil engineer
Lukáš Bosák
Structural engineer
Martin Kocúr
Environmental & MEP
Andrea Pilchová
Tools used
ArchiCAD, SketchUp
Material
Brick, wood, concrete
Typology
Residential › House
Araja Studio: Casa Calma is located in a pine forest near the beach, and its main purpose was to serve as a refuge from the more chaotic life of the city centre.
Architecture firm
Araja Studio
Location
Almada, Portugal
Photography
Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
Principal architect
Ricardo Lopes
Design team
Ricardo Lopes
Collaborators
Ricardo Lopes
Civil engineer
GlobalArte
Structural engineer
GlobalArte
Construction
Amorim & Ponte
Material
Concrete, Brick, Stucco, Aluminium, Glass, Wood
Typology
Residential › House
