stuff we drool about

Opal Lake Cabin

Designed by Opal Architecture, this lakeside gem combines innovative wooden design with exceptional sustainability. Located in the picturesque rural Northwest Connecticut, this remarkable home showcases the perfect blend of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and wood fiber insulation, achieving an impressive level of energy efficiency. By utilizing wood as the primary building material, Opal Architecture emphasizes its sustainability and minimal environmental impact.

Designed to replace a seasonal cottage, this single-level cabin maximizes its volume by concentrating the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Private areas, including the primary bedroom suite and a study/guest room, spread out to the west and east respectively. The stepped façade ensures every major space enjoys breathtaking lake views.

Despite its complex geometry, the Opal Lake Cabin successfully utilized prefabricated CLT panels for the structural walls, ceilings, and roof. These panels, left exposed on the interior, provide both structural support and a stunning finish. Encased in rigid wood fiber insulation and adorned with prefinished ash siding, the cabin achieves an energy-efficient Passive House standard. To further reduce reliance on the power grid, the cabin incorporates Teslas Solar Roof and Powerwall technology, enabling electricity generation and storage.




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PALISSADE HOUSE - Image

PALISSADE HOUSE

Portugal is Europe’s latest hot spot, and the beach destination to visit is Comporta in the Troia Peninsula, a cluster of coastal Portuguese villages about an hour’s drive from Lisbon. With a chic vibe, unspoiled beaches and destination restaurants, no wonder this has become the place to go for international fashion designers, artists and royals. This beautiful region is known for the magnificent white sandy beaches, the wine, fresh fish and the ...
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ESCAPE TRAVELER - Image

ESCAPE TRAVELER

Escape Traveler is an interesting housing possibility developed for those who are looking for an alternative to the conventional way of life. It´s a towable small and comfy house, with 269 sf, enough for up to 6 people! Really well built, with careful attention to detail and an interesting straightforward design, it features wide window space, providing loads of natural light into the practical interior, the outside structure was built using recycled maple Dakota p...
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CHINAMPA HOUSEBOAT - Image

CHINAMPA HOUSEBOAT

If you love the idea of living on the water, you need to check out this gorgeous houseboat. Currently docked at a residential mooring in Haggerston, East London, this beautiful one-bedroomed 58ft widebeam canal boat has been designed by its current owners (who work in landscaping and fashion). Named Chinampa Houseboat, the beautiful vessel is not only solar-powered, but it boasts a spectacular interior design made up of reclaimed furniture and retro pieces. The floa...
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