Pappas House

A Frank Lloyd Wright home in St. Louis is a rare sighting. The architect only built two in the Gateway City and one of them is currently for sale. Designed in 1955, the Usonian-style home is formed from tinted concrete blocks and situated on over three acres. The 2,310-square-foot interior features matching stained concrete floors, high ceilings, and exposed block walls. More than 500 glass inserts and clerestory windows funnel in natural light while glazed doors open to outdoor terraces. Philippine mahogany panels, cabinets, and Wright-designed furniture accent the rooms and are included in the sale. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this home is a unique opportunity to own a historic property.

Photos: Sotheby's International Realty

Casa Alpina

Following the contours of the mountainous landscape, the Casa Alpina integrates itself into Brazil's rugged terrain. The dwelling is defined by a massive concrete slope that mimics the surrounding peaks. A glazed living area and two pillars prop up the steep roofline, giving the monolithic form a weightless appearance. From the inside, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide expansive views of both the towering range and the city of Belo Horizonte in the distance. When the doors are open, the interior seamlessly flows to an outdoor terrace that leads to a rooftop swimming pool.

Photos: Jomar Bragança / Tetro

Chateauneuf de Grasse Villa

Overlooking the French Riviera, Chateauneuf de Grasse Villa is a one-and-a-half acre hilltop sanctuary. The stone estate consists of spacious living areas for entertaining including a great room with fireplace, dining area, and kitchen. If its five bedrooms and three bathrooms aren't enough, there's a valid permit to expand the residence an additional 2,000 square feet. Surrounded by a private olive grove, the exterior is its own private oasis. The meticulously landscaped grounds offer a pool and pool house complete with bar, barbecue, and lounge all afforded panoramic views that range from the mountains to the sea.

Photos: Knight Frank

Callao Container House

With a focus on sustainability, TRS Studio has completed the Callao Container House in Peru. The family home uses two 40-foot shipping containers as its base to house the private areas. Above, an upper level formed by recycled wood, boards made from wood shavings, and recycled polycarbonate plates contains the communal area. The translucent shell floods the living spaces with natural light while its frosted appearance still offers a sense of privacy. The eco-friendly material choice is both low in cost and environmental impact, and also offers a durable, low maintenance option that can withstand a range of climates and temperatures.

Photos: TRS Studio

Alphington Tower House

It takes a village to raise a family so that's what Austin Maynard Architects created. Home to a family of 8-year-old twin boys who needed an outlet for nature, outdoor recreation, and the arts, the Alphington Tower House appears as a series of small structures on the exterior. Each one is unique in size and shape but a unified material palette creates a cohesive facade. Rather than seeking privacy, the dwelling opens its gates to neighbors allowing them to use the front yard as a community garden. Internally, volumes are interconnected, acting as one free-flowing interior while hidden sliding panels provide a way to divide the large space. Although the overall atmosphere is clean and modern, whimsical touches including ladders in the kitchen, a netted reading nook, and a rooftop hideaway provide creative outlets for the kids to learn and grow.

Photos: Peter Bennetts Studio / Austin Maynard Architects

AI SpaceFactory MARSHA Mars Habitat

Life on Mars is closer than you think. Many companies have already begun working on transportation to and from the Red Planet, and now a housing solution is in the works. NASA sent out a call through their Centennial Challenge, seeking the greatest architectural talents to design a habitat that could stand up to the conditions on Mars. AI SpaceFactory answered with MARSHA. The award-winning dwelling is a 15-foot interplanetary structure. Its pod-like form is 3D printed using biodegradable and recyclable basalt composite — a native Martian material that is strong and durable enough to handle pressure, smoke, and impact. The interior is spread throughout four levels and consists of "human-centric" features to support a life mostly lived indoors. Their design beat out 60 other entries and earned them a $500,000 prize.

Photos: AI SpaceFactory

Waitakere Forest House

Situated at the base of Auckland's Waitakere Ranges, the Waitakere Forest House is a tribute to the rugged wilderness that surrounds it. The home is enveloped by acres of rainforest and rolling hillsides. The dwelling consists of a collection of volumes clad in screens of native timber and wooden shingles. Their weathered finish immediately connects the exteriors to the neighboring trees. Each building is staggered in placement, creating a series of outdoor spaces to enjoy the landscape. Large sliding glass doors lead to the interior, revealing walls of exposed concrete. Wood floors and ceilings add a rustic warmth while light filters in through the external screens adding a soft, airiness to the dense atmosphere.

Photos: Simon Wilson with Amelia Holmes / Fearon Hay Architects

Hawkeye House

Just 15 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, the Hawkeye House is a desert dome in California's Yucca Valley. The newly remodeled curved cabin is secluded within 122 acres of mountains and barren wilderness. Featuring a kitchen and two bedrooms, white walls washed in light from the central skylight and reclaimed barn wood give the interior an airy, bohemian vibe that encourages guests to slow down and recharge. On the exterior, an expansive terrace lets you take in the vast landscapes during an al fresco dinner or gaze at the stars from below a timber pergola.

Saint Rita Parlor Signature Incense

Made by hand in Los Angeles, these incense pyres enhance any space they're burned with a satisfying aroma. They contain over 18 rare and organic essential oils and give off a scent of whiskey, tobacco, and rose — inspired by Rita herself, who would tend to her rose garden while smoking a cigarette and drinking a whiskey and water. 25 pyres are included, each with a burn time of 20 minutes.

Soori Bali Resort

Hidden between Mount Batukaru and terraced rice fields, the Soori Bali Resort is a tranquil refuge on the island's south-west coast. Owner and architect Soo K. Chan creates a serene atmosphere by taking cues from the surrounding environment while prioritizing sustainability. The property consists of 48 minimalist villas made from locally-sourced materials and artisanal decor. Each one has its own private infinity pool offering views of either the mountains or the volcanic black sand beach. A pair of on-site restaurants serve local and international cuisine using ingredients from the resort's garden and local farms. To complete the holistic experience, spend a day at the nearby Tanah Lot or indulge in a Balinese massage at the spa.

Photos: Soori Bali

House Inside a Rock

Frank Lloyd Wright wrote the book on organic architecture and judging from his latest project House Inside a Rock, architect Amey Kandalgaonkar has read it more than once. The 3D concept merges ancient rock-cut tombs located in Saudi Arabia's Madain Saleh — a UNESCO world heritage site — and contemporary architecture to create a modern dwelling. The home imagines large planes of concrete mounted on the face of a massive boulder of sandstone, forming the structure's sleek, minimalist boundaries. The clean lines of the exterior juxtapose the intricate details of the rock formation creating a visual balance.

Photos: Amey Kandalgaonkar

Salzburg Solar A-Frame House

Combining environmentally low-impact technology with high-impact design, the Salzburg Solar A-Frame House is an eco-friendly option in Salzburg. The holiday home was originally built in the 1970s. A black facade and timber screen entry gives the exterior a modern look but the biggest update isn't that obvious. Solar modules mounted on the sloped roof supply not only enough energy to power the home, but can also charge an electric car. Within its minimalist white interior, insulation reduces heating and cooling needs while clay boards cool the inside in the summer and store heat in the winter. The spacious ground floor houses the main living area with sleeping lofts above. Just outside a wall of glazing, a wooden terrace overlooks the Chiemsee Alps.

Photos: Thomas Ziesel / Holiday Architecture

Floating Treehouse

Suspended in a Mexican forest, the Floating Treehouse takes inspiration from the neighboring trees. The wooden retreat is anchored to the forest floor by nine stilts, similar to tree roots. Its trunk-like exterior rises vertically three stories. The lowest level is raised off the ground and sits on a large platform. A kitchen, workspace, and drum studio make up the sheltered portion while a large living area is located on the outdoor terrace. A spiral staircase wraps around the exterior, leading to a bathroom and then a bedroom on the top floor. A strong connection between the interior and the landscape is maintained through large windows and openings throughout the interior. At night, the glazing illuminates transforming the dwelling into a glowing timber tower.

Photos: Studio Chirika / Talleresque

Marc Jacobs Superior Ink Townhouse

Newlywed Marc Jacobs is looking to start the next chapter of his life sans his West Village townhouse. The fashion designer is parting ways with his four-story dwelling not long after snagging a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Rye, New York. His city digs are part of the Superior Ink condominium project and feature 4,346 square feet of living space designed by Andre Tchelistcheff, Paul Fortune, John Gachot, and Thad Hayes. The three-bedroom, three-bath interior also includes a galley kitchen, television room, and dining area complete with sophisticated details like custom mantels, oak paneling, and floor-to-ceiling marble. On the exterior, a private garden and a rooftop total 1,462 square feet of outdoor space. Ownership also comes with the perks of a 24-hour doorman and concierge, a gym, yoga studio, screening rooms, and a garage and storage space.

Photos: Sotheby's International Real Estate

Lumipod Prefab Cabin

French-based Lumicene is using their signature curved glass window to create modern nature retreats. The Lumipod Prefab Cabin is a 183-square-foot circular shelter. Its frame is made from aluminum and is clad in planks of burnt wood in order to blend into its surroundings. Sitting on four screw piles, the cabin is lightly placed on the terrain for minimal impact on its environment. The interior is lined in plywood and features a bathroom, closet, and a bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling glazing encloses the space, immersing users in the landscape. To seamlessly connect with the wilderness, the window slides open turning the sleeping area into a covered outdoor space. Each Lumipod can be manufactured and delivered in about six months.

Photos: Oxygen / Lumipod

Stephen Kenn Inheritance Sofas

Mix some military-inspired pieces into your interior design repertoire with these sofas from Stephen Kenn's Inheritance series. Available in two or three seat options, each sofa is made to order in their Los Angeles studio. There are three unique choices offered for both sofas, each with its own unique look and feel. The black leather sofa features foam cushions wrapped in down with support belts that have black cotton webbing, black leather, and blackened steel buckles — all of which sits atop a black steel frame. Or choose the sofa made from vintage military canvas — complete with stamps, lettering, or markings from the soldiers who used them and a marbled rust steel frame, along with support belts featuring Swiss military style cotton webbing in dark tan with dual red striping, oxblood leather, and antique brass buckles. The third option is upholstered in warm grey wool by US manufacturer Faribault Woolen Mills with foam cushions wrapped in polyfiber that sit on a blackened steel frame with charcoal cotton webbing support belts, cognac leather, and antique nickel buckles.

Two Seat Sofa Dimensions: 82" x 36" x 30"
Three Seat Sofa Dimensions: 104" x 36" x 30"

Sister City Hotel

Ace is branching out in the Big City with another New York hotel. Considered a spin-off, Sister City enlists Dieter Rams' "less, but better" philosophy for a simplified stay in Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood. Their guest rooms combine Finnish saunas, bento boxes, prehistoric cave dwellings, and the silence of John Cage's 4'33" to create 200 simplified retreats, minimally adorned with custom Italian furniture, warm, neutral hardwoods, and soft Noguchi lanterns. This stripped-down approach aims to encourage guests to leave their rooms and explore the area's museums, restaurants, and cafes. Also in the building are a ground floor restaurant and Last Light — a rooftop bar serving cocktails, local drafts, and unobstructed views of the city.

Photos: Sister City Hotel

Queen's Lane Pavilion

After 20 years of collaborating with homeowners on a log home, a stone lodge, an office, and a wine silo, architecture firm Carney Logan Burke have completed the Queen's Lane Pavilion. The modern glass dwelling celebrates the 180-acre Jackson Hole property along with the couple's multi-decade design evolution. It's located on the site of a former structure and follows the existing footprint. The L-shaped guesthouse features a flat roof with oversized eaves creating external terraces that flow out to the natural springs. While the exterior is clad in perforated sheets of steel, the interior is defined by a warm, neutral palette anchored by white oak floors and ceilings. Walls of glazing encase the bedrooms and the main living area, blurring the boundaries between the interior and the property's vast landscapes.

Photos: Matthew Millman / Carney Logan Burke Architects

Kazerne Hotel

Home to the Van Abbemuseum, Design Academy Eindhoven, and Dutch Design Week, Eindhoven has long been know as a design mecca. The Kazerne Hotel combines design and hospitality to become an extension of its artistic environment. Housed in a former military barracks and adjoining warehouse, the hotel features a 2,500-square-meter exhibition space. Guests can continue to be immersed in the city's art and design 24/7, dining, drinking, and even sleeping among a rotating collection of current works from the world's most creative minds. Ranging from 377 to 1,500 square feet, each of the eight rooms has its own unique character that mixes modern Dutch design and contemporary art with the building's original Old World architecture.

Casa em Silves

Situated in the hills of southern Portugal, the Casa em Silves sits like a modern monument amongst the rural landscape. Its sharp angles and matte-white facade give the exterior a sculptural presence that contrasts the verdant surroundings. The minimalist aesthetic and monochromatic palette continue throughout the interior. A series of east-facing windows take advantage of incoming light while floor-to-ceiling glazing in the main living area highlights the views. Concealed on the rooftop is an open-air terrace. Featuring a cantilevered swimming pool, the outdoor space is prime for soaking up the sun and taking in the scenery but also doubles as a carport for the driveway below.

Photos: Fernando Guerra / Vitor Vilhena

Ventanas House

Named after its 300 windows, the Ventanas House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's protege Walter S. White. The home was built in 1984 and sits on 10 acres in Colorado's Black Forest. Comprised of a quarter circle, the steel, brick, and concrete structure curves around its hillside plot and is angled to take advantage of the best views. Its 7,390-square-foot interior includes four bedrooms, five baths, and spacious living areas. Douglas fir ceilings and slate floors run throughout as well as an outer arc made entirely from windows. The floor-to-ceiling glazing floods both levels with natural light while affording unobstructed views of Pikes Peak, the Spanish Peaks, and Caribou Peak. The property also includes a 900-square-foot Japanese-style sun house, a rock garden, putting green, and a regulation tennis court.

Photos: REcolorado

Ibiza Campo Loft

After being abandoned for decades, the Ibiza Campo Loft has been resurrected as a dreamy guest house. The 100-year-old structure is sited on a rural hillside on the Balearic island. Formerly a workshop and warehouse, traditional details like chalk and mud plastered stone walls, concrete floors, and a Sabina beam roof made from local trees retain the building's rustic charm, while the introduction of steel in the powder-coated windows, custom kitchen cabinets, and exposed beam supports add an industrial contrast. The rustic countryside is on full display to the spacious living area through large panels of glazing. These glass doors also expand the room to an outdoor terrace where more expansive views of the valley can be enjoyed.

Photos: On a hazy morning / The Nieuw

Four Leaves House

Located in the Karuizawa forest, just outside of Tokyo, the Four Leaves House serves as a weekend retreat from the city. The villa is comprised of three interlocking volumes. Topped with sweeping rooflines, the silhouette resembles a pile of leaves that have fallen from the branches of the surrounding trees. Its organic form and timber cladding allows the exterior to blend into the natural landscape. Internally, curved wooden joists are exposed on the interior, highlighting the contour of the ceiling. A minimalist approach creates a tranquil atmosphere while allowing expansive views of the forest to take the main focus.

Photos: Norihito Yamauchi / KIAS