Las Palmeras is a breathtaking project by Greg Wright Architects. These 2 holiday houses on the coastline of Peru which sit prominently at the top of a rock cliff overlooking the beach and ocean, are anchored into the rock with a stone sculptural plinth rising up to the living levels, concealing a basement floor below.

Xiao-Yens House is a stunning property in San Francisco, California. This house transformation is the work of Craig Steely Architecture, the owners wanted a contemporary space that included a more open plan for work and living. The extensive remodel of the house began by tearing away the substandard remodeling that had taken place over the past 100 years and replacing it with spaces more appropriate to the clients program. These included a more open plan for work and living, a sod roof, and a glass penthouse with the roof supported by a steel exoskeleton.

Spa House is an impressive residence in Cape Town, South Africa. It was designed by Metropolis Design, they have a contemporary perspective and make projects both in architecture and interior design. Built on a mountain, this paradise home looks more like a luxury spa, water is an element with continuous presence in this space. The living areas were designed to allow a unique view of both the pool and the incredible surroundings. The Spa, located below the water level, has a direct view of the pool trough glass panels, providing a relaxing and mysterious effect.
 

This astonishing modern house has recently been placed on the market, it is located in the heart of Hampstead Village, London-UK. The 6,500 sq ft house was designed by renowned architects Paxton Locher and is set around a spectacular 40ft double-volume reception room. This room has two retractable glass rooflights which, when open, transform the space into an open-air courtyard. Running alongside is a dramatic custom-made glass swimming pool. The house also features five bedrooms(the master bedroom overlooks the pool), a gymnasium, a party and media room, with high-level windows looking in to the pool.

Built by the Xten Architecture studio, the OpenHouse lives up to its name as seen by the pictures. The elegant and beautiful interiors have full visibility to the outside world. The house was built on a challenging site, embedded into a narrow and sharply sloping property in the Hollywood Hills. The front, side and rear elevations of the house slide open to erase all boundaries between indoors and out, connecting the spaces to gardens on both levels.

This breathtaking work of architecture was named the House and Garden building, it is in Tokyo and was designed by visionary Japanese architect Ryue Nishizawa. The building is an unusual sight in Tokyo and believe it or not, it is a private residence! The house has no facade and no interior walls, instead, there are floor-to-ceiling windows, curtains and an array of plants that define boundaries between spaces. The four-story house is only 26ft x 13ft and is wedged between two taller buildings. The unique home also features a spiral steel staircase running up the whole building and connecting each level. The Architect says: "You really get the fell of living in a hanging garden". source

Located in the Financial District, 20 Pine Residences looks like a whole other world set above NY. Designed by Armani/Casa, the Collection Residences boast large windows & vast interior spaces. Each residence has 10 ft beamed ceilings and abundant open spaces. The Collection offers 24-hour doorman, terrace lounge, library lounge, up-to the minute indoor and outdoor health, spa and club facilities, golf simulation room, pool pavilion, and spectacular views.

This 4 story townhouse in center Park Slope was renovated by "the Brooklyn Home Company". Extra large double hung windows were placed to flood the home with natural light. The house has some great features, a library ladder leads to an extra lofted guest room, ceiling wooden beams, large built-in shelves, and a guest room inspired by the sleeping quarters of a ship.

The Micropod is a garden studio measuring only 2.5 by 2.0m. Everyday, with modern times and the use of new technologies, more people are working from home, this is the ideal solution for homeworkers. The Micropod has a compact design making it fit unobtrusively into most gardens. You can customize your pod with options including additional windows, under floor heating, fitted desks, shelving and decking. [scouted by Fred]

OFTB(Out of the blue) is a a team of landscape architects, horticulturists and in-house pool builders based in Melbourne, Australia. They integrate contemporary landscape design with high quality construction of concrete swimming pools. Here we feature one of their stunning creations, a transparent pool from a house in Elsterwick, Melbourne.

Alinghi Residence is a modern beach house in the town of Rocky Point, which is only three miles from the popular tourist destination of Queensland, Australia. The house was designed by Grose Bradley BNV, their task was to create a space suitable for contemplation and enjoyment of nature. All rooms are oriented toward the ocean, which guarantees a magnificent view of the Pacific ocean.

Number 2 Concord St in Charleston is a truly unique and truly inspiring property. The property is located adjacent to the Carolina yacht club and was converted to a residence through a monumental construction effort. The end result is a trophy property overlooking Charleston harbor with unparalleled views. The 2.72 acre property includes the main residence and the guest house. The property is a stunning display of luxury and craftsmanship, with absolutely no expense spared. The list of noteworthy features is endless, several highlights include: a covered boat lift, library, wine room with climate control, fully integrated audio visual system, and a programmable window shade system that, with just the touch of a button, captures panoramic 360 degree views of Charleston harbor.

This extravagant and beautiful contemporary home is situated on top of a cliff in Phuket, Thailand. The amazing property has an area of 1,597 square meters and features five bedrooms, games/cinema room, two elevators, two kitchens, and a 17-meter infinity pool with breathtaking views over the Andaman Sea. Steps meander down from the villa to a small private beach. The house is now on the market for $5,542,850 at Sotheby´s Realty Phuket. source

Stråhattfabriken (Straw Hat Factory) is one of the most beautiful apartment blocks in Stockholm. It consists of three buildings, with industrial character and a typical turn of the century look. The old factory was transformed by Oscar Properties into 39 apartments ranging from 1 bedroom to 6 bedrooms. They describe the apartments as "Classic with a Twist" and "Industrial Elegance".

Beautiful Beach Laranjeiras Residence, designed by Brazilian architect Fernanda Marques. The house is located in one of Brazil´s most gorgeous, natural beauty surroundings, Paraty, on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro. With 950 m², three suites and private access to the beach, this is definitely a dream home.

The Bishan Residential Development is the latest creation of the always surprising Moshe Safdie. The Bishan Central will consist of  approximately 500 apartments distributed in two towers of 38 floors spread on 12 thousand square meters. The two condominium buildings are linked by three walkways with gardens, pools and recreational space. This solution allows ventilation and natural light for the living spaces and greater interaction among residents. The apartments will go on sale in the first half of 2012, and the building will be completed in 2015. Watch the video. via Designboom

This is a very original house in Torres Vedras, Portugal. It was designed by Portuguese Architect Pedro Gadanho, all the details and bright colors applied are very unique. It has original objects scattered around, they are functional as well as aesthetic. The giant pill, for example, is the childrens bathroom. The house is composed of twelve environments spread across two floors. Check out the photos, definitely worth a look.

Zendome are a German company that manufacture special Zendome canopies that resemble a yurt or igloo. They started making huge domes(300 square meters) for fairs and exhibitors, but have recently made available a home-edition. ZENDOME.20 The Home Edition (20 square meters) offers multiple possibilities, as a swimming pool enclosure, temporary guest house, garden shed - or simply as a beautiful chill out room or childs dream house. Also a great solution for those who work from home, having a second space for better creativity.