Copenhagen Island

Drifting throughout the city's harbor, the Copenhagen Island gives public parks a new landscape. Each platform is handmade from wood using traditional boat-building techniques and houses a single linden tree. The spaces will be free to anyone and can function as a gathering spot, resting area for kayakers, or just a peaceful escape from the city. Multiple structures can even be brought together to hold a floating festival. While the project is still in its experimental phase with just one island, the goal is to create additional decks that can house a sauna, cafe, or garden and fill the waters with its own "Parkipelago."

Photos: Christian Emdal and Airflix

The Resort at Paws Up

Although it may be located on a working cattle ranch, you won't be treated like a farmhand at The Resort at Paws Up. The property is the luxurious way to experience the Montana wilderness with their high-end tents and wilderness estates. Set along Blackfoot River, the safari-style canvas shelters barely qualify as a tent with hardwood floors, fine linens, ensuite bathrooms with heated slate floors, and a camping butler. While they're hardly roughing it, there's also a range of private homes. Each of the ranch-style houses comes with vaulted great rooms, full kitchens, and three master suites. After exploring the ranch's 37,000 acres of ATV or horseback, the Dining Pavilion will refuel you with it's refined rustic fare or you can eat your dinner on the banks of the river after an authentic horse-drawn wagon ride. Dessert is served fireside where a s'moreologist — yes, it's a real thing — helps you roast the perfect marshmallow treat.

Martis Camp

Sited on a hillside near Lake Tahoe, Martis Camp uses an L-shape to take advantage of the surrounding views. The exterior facade takes cues from its setting with a natural palette of cedar, zinc, and concrete — a scheme that blends into the forest during the warmer months but creates a contrast in the snow. The design of the home naturally divides the interior into two wings. The private area extends out off the slope of the site, creating a cantilevered master suite on the end. The communal living space runs horizontally with the landscape. Organized in a linear layout, floor-to-ceiling glazing affords the entire interior expansive views of the meadow below and the Pacific Crest mountain in the distance. The oversized flat roof extends out to create a covered terrace. Glazed panels open, expanding the main floor to the outdoor spa and soaking tub.

Photos: Joe Fletcher / John Maniscalco Architecture

The Bear Stand Retreat

Modern, remote, and completely immersed in nature, The Bear Stand Retreat is everything you want in a rural getaway. The house is located on a 100-acre site along the shores of Ontario's Contau Lake. Clad in cedar siding and blackened fiber cement, the contemporary residence blends into the surrounding forest. The fir-lined interior covers sleeping for 12 throughout the four bedrooms while an open living room is arranged around a fireplace made from locally-sourced granite. On the exterior, private sauna, ofuro soaking tub, and hot tub offer a place to relax after a long hike of the property's private network of trails.

Photos: Nic Lehoux

Chemin Barn Restoration

Deserted and left in ruins, the Chemin Barn Restoration repurposes the remains of an old farm building into a modern dwelling. The existing timber framework was left intact and salvaged for the new residence. A zinc facade covers the original structure, preserving the architectural integrity of the previous shelter. The reclaimed posts and beams were left exposed on the interior while raw concrete and exposed cement blocks accentuate the rustic palette. Although openings were intentionally kept to a minimum, there's just enough glazing to showcase views of the surrounding French countryside and the river below.

Photos: David Boureau / Ziegler Antonin Architects

Rolling Huts

Enjoy all the natural beauty of camping with none of the hassles by staying at Rolling Huts. Located in Washington's Methow Valley, the "herd" consists of six modern huts designed by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle. The minimalist plywood interiors offer a fridge, microwave, fireplace, Wi-Fi, and a sleeping platform for two. The property has access to nearby activities like hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, skiing, dog sledding, golfing, fly fishing, winery visits, and balloon tours or you could just kick back and enjoy the fantastic views of the Cascades — totally up to you.

Casa Molina

Prefabricated off-site and delivered by truck, Casa Molina expands a vacation retreat in Mexico. The request for a guest house also came with the request for little construction on the property. This called for most of the structure to be built in a workshop. With only road transportation available, all components had to fit on a freight truck resulting in a series of 7.2 by 2.4-meter modules. Once assembled, a modern steel and timber addition has taken form. The interior houses two ensuite bedrooms with floor to ceiling glazing. A connected walkway expands the inside to a covered platform. Fitted with a dining table and outdoor furniture, the terrace offers an open-air space for gathering and entertaining.

Photos: Soler Orozco Arquitectos / Cesar Bejar

Revier Mountain Lodge

Set along the shores of Lake Heidsee in Lenzerheide, the Revier Mountain Lodge lets you live the van life without with hotel amenities. The 96 rooms are individual modules inspired by the idea of sleeping in a VW bus. Lined with spruce planks, each unit offers a wall-to-wall bed and a glazed wall that mimics a lifted tailgate overlooking the water. The heart of the property is the restaurant and bar. Here, Mediterranean fare is served along with live music and 20 different craft beers. Just a few steps outside the door is the Rothorn cable car, providing easy access to the slopes of the Parpaner Rothorn.

Photos: Marc Lins

Rode House

Occupying a grassy meadow on Chile's Chiloe Island, the Rode House melds together geometric forms with traditional craftsmanship. From the shingles on the roof to the planked walls, the entire structure is made from local timber — a nod to the region's carpentry roots. Its crescent shape wraps around a central courtyard. Comprised of a main living area flanked by two bedrooms, each room opens out to a covered terrace. Protected from the sun and wind, this outdoor space offers a safe haven to take in views of the adjacent sea.

Photos: Pezo von Ellrichshausen

Mortehoe House

Clad in green oak boarding and local stone, the Mortehoe House brings a touch of New England to the English Channel. The house is located on the Devon Coast. Its simple gabled form is inspired by the beach houses lining the U.S. Atlantic coastline. A central stair divides the interior into two spaces. A laundry and mudroom occupy one half while the main living area sits on the other. The pitch of the roof creates a spacious, double-height room. Large panels of glass fill the area with natural light and views of the garden. The upper level is split between the master suite and four bedrooms. Perched above the ground floor, this story looks down to the sea below.

Photos: McLean Quinlan / Will Scott

El Boldo House

Rustic materials and a contemporary design form the El Boldo House. Situated on a cliffside overlooking Zapallar bay, the home is protected by large stone walls. The structure itself is comprised of two floors constructed from a natural palette of concrete, wood, and marble. While the lower level is reserved for guestrooms, the upper houses living spaces and the master suite. The interior adopts a liner layout creating a seamless transition between rooms and the outdoor terrace. This horizontal composition runs parallel with the bay, affording expansive views throughout. Encased in floor-to-ceiling glazing, the inside is immersed in the surrounding landscape and flooded with natural light.

Photos: Nico Saieh / SUN Arquitectos

Surfrider Malibu Hotel

Reclaimed floors, custom furniture, and hand-painted tiles have transformed a 1950s Pacific Coast Highway motel into the Surfrider Malibu Hotel. Stepping through the front door is more like walking into a California beach house. The airy atmosphere continues in each of the 20 rooms with white shiplap walls and teak beds dressed in Bellino linens. Guest can snack on local goodies from the mini bar in Parachute robes or relax on the outdoor terrace. A private rooftop deck serves California-inspired food and drinks with full views of the Pacific coast. To take full advantage of its ocean-side setting, custom surfboards are available onsite.

Jardins House

Brazilian landscapes and modern architecture work in unison to create the Jardins House. Comprised of two stories, the upper level is organized in a U-shape around a central courtyard. A rear wing is comprised of four suites while the main living area cantilevers over the ground below. Encased in sliding glass doors, the garden's lush greenery and overflowing swimming pool are visible to every room, a vibrant contrast to the exposed concrete interior. The communal spaces are also fitted with hinged glass panels. Topped with a metal pergola, the area transforms into an outdoor terrace with views of the surrounding treetops.

Photos: Ruben Otero / Drucker Architectura

Montana Treehouse Retreat

Nestled on seven wooded acres at the gateway to the Glacier National Park, the Montana Treehouse Retreat reimagines our childhood hideout. A spiral staircase leads to the two-story cabin. Perched on two live trees, the interior consists of a full kitchen, a living space, and a master suite arranged around the trunks. Each level opens out to an exterior deck overlooking the forest setting. While the house is an adventure of its own, the nearby Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort and Flathead Lake can add a host of other activities to the agenda.

Panorama Glass Lodge

Located by the Greenland sea just a 30-minute drive from Reykjavík, the Panorama Glass Lodge lets you sleep in complete comfort without obstructing the view of the sky. The bedroom area of this accommodation for two is encased entirely in glass, and its remote location offers a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights. There's also a two-person hot tub next to the lodge, a small kitchen with electric stove, toaster, and fridge, and a rain shower in the bathroom, as well as near-total privacy for you and whomever you bring along.

Scavenger Studio

Situated in the woods of Puget Sound, the Scavenger Studio is a minimalist hideaway. The simple form is clad in a mix of charred plywood and painted HardiePanel, and sits on a six-footed foundation with large overhangs for protection from the elements. The kitchen and living area occupy the bottom of the double-height interior, while a steel staircase gives access to a window-lined sleeping loft. True to its name, it was built using as many scavenged materials as possible, including everything from plants to the kitchen cabinets, the latter saved from a house the contractor was demolishing.

Photos: Benjamin Benschneider / Eerkes Architects

JJO House

Using a material palette of raw concrete, steel, and glass, the JJO House aims to immerse occupants in the forest of Brazil. The residence sits on a steep slope. At the top of the hill are a garage and workshop. A walkway leads to the main house. Once inside, the main living area enveloped in glass showcases the surrounding treetops. Below, bedrooms sit on the ground level where floor-to-ceiling glazing affords views of the forest floor. The crowning feature of the home is the rooftop terrace. Sitting in the canopy, the open-air offers a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.

Photos: Estudiograma / Arqbox

Truckee Creek House

Not a single bolder was harmed during the construction of the Truckee Creek House. Located on a rocky plot in California, the home weaves its way around the natural landscape of the site. The exterior is clad in a mixture of concrete and steel, a palette that compliments the surrounding rocks and evergreen forest. Similar materials are found throughout the interior where large panels of glazing highlight the existing boulders like fine art. Rock gardens and pebble terraces add to the native scenery while completing the zen-like atmosphere.

Photos: Faulkner Architects / Joe Fletcher

Malibu Auto Museum

Located on Point Dume just a short drive from the Pacific, the Malibu Auto Museum is a car collector's dream. The facility measures 7,000 square feet, with abundant windows to let in natural light and an oversized private driveway that accommodates semi access for easy pickup and delivery. A computer controls the humidity, temperature, dust, and bacteria to keep your cars in optimal condition, and acoustically transparent panels on the walls and ceiling let the space double as a venue for events. Overlooking the main floor is an 800 square foot apartment with a bedroom, full bath, and stainless steel kitchen, and should you feel the need to boost your collection before you move in, the current owner will listen to offers for some of his rides, including several desirable Porsches and Ferraris.

Honomobar

Built from a recycled shipping container, the Honomobar is a stylish addition to your backyard or retreat. A three-foot cedar overhang offers some protection from the elements, an aluminum roll shutter provides secure lockup when needed, and the butcher block bar top is made to last. Manufacturing takes between four and six weeks, and while you to get a non-slip floor and acid washed steel accents, you'll have to supply your own electrical and plumbing.

Justin Timberlake's Soho Penthouse

Fortunately for someone, Justin Timberlake is parting ways with his swanky Soho Penthouse. Designed by Gwathmey Siegel, the residence is located in the exclusive Soho Mews condominium.The three bedroom and three-and-a-half bath unit is fit for a popstar with 10-foot ceilings, Crestron electronic shade system, custom wood paneling, and Jet Mist granite. The master bath is fitted with Statuary marble and a free-standing tub. An addition two ensuites come with Jet Mist granite and Lefroy Brooks fixtures. Floor-to-ceiling windows highlighting views of the city can be found throughout the home, while an 853-square-foot terrace wraps around the exterior. The building also comes with a 24-hour doorman, concierge, and parking with private entrance.

Photos: Stribling and Associates

Wilding Road Retreat

Surrounded by the Wakatipu Basin and Lake Hayes, the Wilding Road Retreat has some park-worthy views. The scenery isn't just on the outside. Nearly every room features floor-to-ceiling glazing, highlighting the pristine landscape. The interior is well equipped with a chefs kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining rooms, a theater, and an indoor swimming pool with a diving platform. Although the natural landscape is something to behold, the property's meditation platform, pond, and waterfall accentuate the relaxing atmosphere.

Photos: Sotheby's International Reality

Ocean Eye House

Wedged between the jungle and the sea, the Ocean Eye House adopts a modular design to take advantage of the Costa Rican landscape. The structure is comprised of a series of terraces. Fitted with folding wood doors, rooms can be closed off for privacy or opened up to the views of both the Pacific Oceans and the tropical forest. These openings were intentionally placed to increase airflow for a natural cooling system. The upper level creates a series of covered patios on the ground floor. Comprised of the main living spaces, this level extends directly out to a massive swimming pool overlooking the below.

Photos: Andres Garcia Lachner / Studio Saxe

One-Room House

Ascending up 13 floors, the One-Room House is designed as a continuous spiral. The dwelling is housed in a narrow metal shell. Although privacy is minimal, the interior is free of partitions. Rather than separate rooms, the open space is divided by levels. The platforms are made from corrugated-metal and are supported by a mixture of roof beams and steel pipes. White paint creates a uniform palette throughout. A series of wooden steps add a subtle warmth while also joining each tier, ultimately ending at a rooftop terrace.

Photos: Shinkenchiku Sha / Tato Architects

Grey Estate

With its reclaimed teak cladding and free-flowing connection to the landscape, the Grey Estate looks like it belongs in Sonoma rather than Los Angeles. Located in Holmby Hills, it's owned by former Paramount Pictures CEO Brad Grey. The residence sits on a two-acre plot filled with olive trees, organic fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens. Spanning 12,782 square feet, the home consists of five bedrooms, 12 baths, and an opening living area that also doubles as a theater. The interior compliments the rustic warmth of the exterior facade with exposed wood beams and soft, neutral hues. Situated around a courtyard, sliding glass panels open to take advantage of the Southern California weather. It also creates a direct connection to the outdoor pool, spa, and open-air dining room where you can enjoy food prepared with ingredients harvested from right on the property.

Photos: Christie's International Real Estate

Union Wharf Rooftop Dwelling

Extending up from a converted factory building in London, the Union Wharf Rooftop Dwelling is the re-imagination of an old conservatory. The transformation of the upper level was inspired by the passing canal boats, creating a palette of timber and steel. An oak and ash-lined interior is washed in natural light by a glazed facade, which also slides open to a terrace overlooking the Regents Canal. The ground level is influenced by the building's industrial heritage. The original concrete soffit was left exposed, mirrored by a polished concrete flooring. While the living space has an open concept, textured sliding glass partitions separate the space from an adjacent playroom. Wood cabinets add warmth to the kitchen and complete the interior's minimalist aesthetic.

Photos: Nicholas Szczepaniak Architects / Nicholas Worley

Honolulu A-Frame House

Mid-century modern architecture meets island living in the Honolulu A-Frame House. Built in 1956, the home was designed by architect George J. Wimberly, who is also known for the Sheraton Waikiki and the Coco Palms Resort. The classic pitched roof creates a spacious main living room while panels of glass flood the room with natural light and views of the Pacific Ocean. Fitted with a mix of white-washed timber and local materials like lava rock, the interior gives off casual, beach vibes. Accessed by sliding doors, the space opens to a 40-foot tiled pool featuring a Halekulani-inspired design. Above are three bedrooms, including the master suite with a marble bathroom. To top it off, the home comes with 55 feet of pristine ocean frontage.

Photos: Hawaii Life

Sheats-Goldstein House

Built in 1963, the residence was designed by John Lautner. It appears to emerge from the sandstone hillside like a mid-century modern cave, a signature of Lautner's taught to him by his mentor Frank Lloyd Wright. From the inside out, the architect had a hand in every inch of the home. He even designed the furniture, lighting, and rugs, which we're sure really tied the room together. Having been the home of Jackie Treehorn in The Big Lebowsk, the dwelling is fit for a porn magnate and loanshark with drinking glass skylights in the living room, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and a swimming pool overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.

Photos: James Goldstein