stuff we drool about

Omata Beach House

Designed by Herbst Architects, the beautiful Omata Beach House is located on the coast of Northland, New Zealand, surrounded by steep hills covered in native bush and ancient Pohutukawa trees. The architects had to take into account the geotechnical challenges of the site, including the threat of large rocks being dislodged by seismic activity and slips from high rainfall events.

The house is divided into three basic components: living, sleeping, and storage. The sleeping and storage functions are part of the plinth, which is low and clad in rock. The living pavilion is a light timber structure with glass on three sides, and is designed for outdoor living with easy flow between home and shore. It also provides shelter from winds and sun with a series of integrated screens and sliding doors. An outdoor kitchen allows for year-round al fresco dining beside a concrete fireplace.




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FIRST LESSONS HOUSE - Image

FIRST LESSONS HOUSE

Designed by Ray Dinh Architecture, this spectacular L-shaped residence in Australia overlooks the Portsea Lagoon and Wildlife Reserve. The First Lessons House sits low amongst the existing myrtle and tea-trees, at the back corner of the site, it features external charred timber cladding, concrete and corrugated iron, that were chosen as robust, earthy materials and are softened by the natural light and landscape. The house is designed to entertain family and friends...
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VILLA MECKLIN | BY HUTTUNEN LIPASTI PAKKANEN ARCHITECTS - Image

VILLA MECKLIN | BY HUTTUNEN LIPASTI PAKKANEN ARCHITECTS

Located in Finland, this house was entirely designed to take maximum advantage of the splendid view. Villa Mecklin is located in the Finnish archipelago. It sits in a small depressions in the rock, its sheltered terrace extending over the summit of the rock.  In connection with the shoreline sauna, there is also a stove-heated cabin for guests. All wood surfaces have been left untreated and will turn grey naturally....
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TENT HOUSE - Image

TENT HOUSE

Designed by Sparks Architects, the unique "Tent House" is a stunning home with a retractable roof, located in the beautiful rainforest canopies of Verrierdale in Queensland. The award-winning house features a sail-like structure roof that is the dominant form of the design, a unique translucent tent membrane with five hundred square metres that opens out into nature, meaning residents can quite literally lie in bed and look at the stars. Sliding doors allo...
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