Disguised as a prehistoric boulder resting in a valley in northern Beijing, the Chapel of Sound takes organic architecture to the extreme. The massive rock is the home to a semi-outdoor concert hall that will serve the capital. Taking cues from its natural setting, the structure is made from concrete and crushed mineral stones formed to resemble the rock formations found in the surrounding mountains. Its design isn't just a clever way to blend into the scenery. The shape is also acoustically-friendly to improve the sound of musical performances. Currently under construction, the venue includes an open-air amphitheater, an outdoor stage, and a viewing platform that overlooks the mountainous landscape as well as the neighboring Great Wall of China.

Photos: Open Architecture

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Tobin Island Boathouse

Floating on the waters of Ontario's Lake Rosseau, the Tobin Island Boathouse breaks the traditional maritime cottage mold with its planar design. The waterfront structure is formed by a series of horizontal planes laid in a staggered pattern, mimicking the movements of the lake. Its cedar facade has been charred using the Shou Sugi Ban technique to protect the timber while blending the exterior into the scenery. An expansive dock made from weathered wood surrounds the cabin, creating an outdoor space for gathering. On the shore side, a cantilevered trellis offers shelter from the southwestern sun. Internally, the lower level is used for boats and storage. Above, the upper level houses living spaces where Baltic Birch provides a warm contrast to the exterior. Consisting of two bedrooms, a bathroom, a lounge, and a kitchenette, the interior's expansive glazing affords panoramic views of the lakeside setting.

Photos: Shai Gil / AKB Architecture

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Casa Topo

Not to distract from the Peruvian landscape, Casa Topo was designed for minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The lower level of the home is tucked into a hillside with its stone-colored facade blending into the mountainous backdrop. Containing the main living spaces, sliding glass doors turn the room into an open-air pavilion that spills onto an outdoor terrace. Resting above is a large wooden box housing the sleeping areas. Although it appears to be completely opaque, screens camouflage floor-to-ceiling windows from the exterior while affording expansive views of the lagoon and the stream to the second story bedrooms.

Photos: Juan Solano Ojasi / Martín Dulanto Arquitecto

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Hooded Cabin

Perched on a mountaintop in Norway, the Hooded Cabin breaks the traditional cabin mold while staying within the strict guidelines of the alpine region. Architects were limited by regulations that included sectioned windows, standing wood paneling, 22-27 degrees gabled roofs, and triple bargeboards along with a cold, windy climate. Its exterior is protected by an ore pine roof. Resembling a hood, the cladding is laid in an angled pattern creating a geometric contrast with the remaining black timber facade and giving the dwelling a sculpted quality. Inside, a warm oak lining complements the natural scenery displayed by expansive glazed openings. Bedrooms are housed in the back and attic allowing for the main living space to take advantage of the sweeping views. When weather permits, sliding glass doors open out to a wooden terrace overlooking the lake below.

Photos: Marte Garmann / Arkitektærelset

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La Petite Soeur Cottage

While maintaining its traditional values, a historic Canadian home looks to the future with a modern extension. The new construction reinterprets the form of its wood-clad neighbor with clean lines and sharp angles. While its silhouette is a tribute to the original structure, white-washed wood cladding and a sheet metal roof reflect the surrounding birch trees. Acting as a guest house, the extension welcomes visitors from the main home to the living area. Polished concrete floors and blackened wood planks continue the contemporary dialogue while expansive glazing frames in views of Lake Ouareau. Below, a master bedroom is tucked into the hillside where it takes advantage of incoming sunlight. A glazed walkway quite literally bridges the gap between old and new and keeps the owners and their visitors connected during their stay.

Photos: Adrien Williams / ACDF Architecture

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Apartment G51

In both color and design, the Apartment G51 is a minimalist masterpiece. The dwelling does so with a monochromatic palette consisting of raw concrete, metal, marble, and wood. Its variety of materials creates a texture that gives the interior depth while maintaining a consistently somber hue. The clean aesthetic is further established by styling the interior with only essential furnishings. An unconventional lighting system spans across the ceilings, creating a glowing geometric pattern that's reminiscent of a modern art installation.

Photos: Leonas Garbacauskas / Hito.lt

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St Andrews Beach House

Situated on the coast of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, the St Andrews Beach House breaks the beach shack mold with a curvy new exterior. Its timber-clad facade is reminiscent of a traditional seaside shed. Over time, the wooden planks will weather, further fading into the wild brush and surrounding dunes. Inside, the two-story cylinder is free of any walls or corridors allowing for unobstructed views from every vantage point. Although most oceanfront homes are fitted with expansive decks and terraces, bi-fold doors on the ground floor transform the entire main living area into an open-air terrace. A spiral staircase leads to the upper level where the bedroom zone is housed. Instead of typical rooms, sleeping happens in a bunk area that can also double as an additional living space. Guest accommodations are found on the front lawn where the home's casual environment welcomes visitors to pitch a tent right on the sand.

Photos: Derek Swalwell / Austin Maynard Architects

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Featured Gear

New Balance 997H Sneaker

New Balance revises one of their most classic silhouettes with the 997H. The new model comes with updated features like a GCEVA construction and a light-weight outsole that give the sneaker an updated appearance. Subtle nods to the original 1991 design are found in the suede and mesh details as well as the four 90s-inspired colorways. Altogether, the result is a sleek, modernization that is equal parts innovative and nostalgic.

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A Man and His Watch

When you find the right watch, it becomes an extension of you. That's been the case for generations of iconic figures like Paul Newman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Elvis Presley. A Man and His Watch profiles those figures and the timepieces they wore from the perspective of author Matthew Hranek, who traveled the world conducting interviews and gathering the histories of 76 watches. Each piece is attached to an original photograph and a detailed story of some of the most coveted watches in the world.

216 pages.

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Chivalry Road House

Starting out as a traditional terrace home, the Chivalry Road House is reborn as a spacious South West London dwelling. The original structure was plagued by small, segregated rooms. To remedy this dilemma, existing spaces were reconfigured by lowering floors and removing partitions while a glass-ceiling extension created additional square footage. Steel beams were fitted above the kitchen to support the new configurations — a welcome complement to the exposed brick walls. The addition of a double-height stairway allows sunlight from the new glazing to reach all the way down to the basement, transforming the typically dark, remote space into a bright, airy retreat.

Photos: Adam Scott / Sketch Architects

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Pilgrims' House

Neighboring the ruins of a 14th-century castle, Pilgrims' House gives the medieval architecture a modern juxtaposition. The structure is located in south-eastern Estonia on the site of a 1353 miracle. Nestled into a hillside, the new construction is an addition to the fortress, which now acts as an exhibit for the medieval mode of living. It takes cues from its neighbor with a modest use of windows and a weathered steel facade that resembles the hues of the caste's exterior. The interior depicts a contemporary refuge for pilgrims with dark brick floors, white walls, and archaic-style brass chandlers. Its minimalist atmosphere allows guests to reflect while at the sacred locale.

Photos: Terje Ugandi / KAOS Architects

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Rancho Buena Vida

Spanning 100 acres just outside of Austin, the Rancho Buena Vida brings Texas ranch life to the 21st-century with this modern homestead. The former residence consisted of a main house and guest cabin. Its original exterior has been updated to an all-black facade and metal roof. Internally, existing finishes have been replaced with a mix of raw steel and reclaimed wood while glossy cabinets and brass fixtures offer a contemporary contrast. Although much of the interior is afforded expansive views of the landscape, a wraparound deck cantilevers off the bluff for unobstructed vistas. Guests are treated to a stay at the "Cowboy Motel" — a refurbished Airstream tucked below some old-growth trees. Carved into the hillside is a massive swimming pool. Its stone terrace extends to a timber and steel pavilion. Reminiscent of an old lean-to, the slanted shelter features its own kitchen, living room, and dining table for open-air gatherings.

Photos: Chase Daniel / Root Design

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Hillside Sanctuary

Overlooking the Puget Sound, the Hillside Sanctuary brings Appalachian architecture to the Pacific Northwest. The stone dwelling and guest house are inspired by an old mountain home that was lost in a fire. Its interior is defined by two massive fireplaces made from the same material as the rocky facade. The main living spaces are brightened by pale wood millwork and an abundance of natural light, adding a contemporary contrast to the rustic palette. Beyond the expansive glazing is an exterior deck. The outdoor living space is situated on the hillside, allowing for views across the remote landscape.

Photos: Kevin Scott / Hoedemaker Pfeiffer

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Boulter House

Midwest Frank Lloyd Wright fans have a reason to celebrate. The iconic architect designed just three homes in Cincinnati and one of them is up for sale. Built in 1956, the Boulter House is a two-story Usonian design made from African and Philippine mahogany and Douglas fir. While the house has received some updates over the years, Wight's signature is still prevalent throughout the structure's radiant heated floors, built-in furniture, and a cantilevered deck that spans nearly the entire length of the home. The highlight of the interior is the 28-foot long great room. Wrapped almost entire in 10-foot tall windows, the space is immersed in views of the surrounding canopies.

Photos: Steve Paszt Photography / Keller Williams Advisors Realty

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Hammerfest Hiking Cabins

Although the climate north of the arctic circle is some of the world's harshest, hikers just can't get enough of its challenging terrain and surreal landscapes. So to give those brave souls a break during their journeys, the Norwegian Trekking Association created the Hammerfest Hiking Cabins. The timber domes were built to be placed on the rocky mountaintops of Norway. Their tortoise shell-like exteriors are made from 77 wooden panels that when pieced together can withstand extreme wind and cold. Interiors allow trekkers to push the pause button during their hikes and enjoy the scenery from a large glazed panel while warming up with a wood-burning stove. The first cabin was assembled over 1,500 hours by volunteers in a warehouse before being transported to the site in two pieces. A second hut is in the works and is expected to arrive in 2019.

Photos: Tor Even Mathisen / Spinn Arkitekter

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Tranquil House

Concrete is usually thought to be heavy and bulky. For a family home in Shiga, Japan, FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects contradict the raw material by turning it into a light, tranquil abode. The structure is built on a busy highway, leading to a lack of voids to allow for privacy. On the south facade, thick entry walls cantilever over the ground as if the house is weightless. While the floor plan is open, varying floor and ceiling heights help to define rooms. Celestial windows wash the living spaces in natural light, softening the exposed concrete walls. The tile floor extends the interior to a terrace where a glazed wall blurs the boundary between the inside and the outdoors. From the patio, a railing blocks the unwanted surroundings and draws the eye up to enjoy northern views of the landscape in the distance.

Photos: Norihito Yamauchi, Yoshihiro Asada / FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects

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Tiny Holiday House

Minimal in size and aesthetic, the Tiny Holiday House makes escaping to The Netherlands all the more enjoyable. The compact home is comprised of four cubes situated on the edge of a lake. Their varying sizes and uniform charred facade give them a sculptural quality. Despite its modest size, the interior's use of polished concrete floors, whitewashed walls, and natural oak panels create a spacious atmosphere. Large glazed panels take advantage of the incoming sunlight while framing in views of the surrounding landscape. To further expand the living space, sliding glass doors extend the interior out to a landscaped terrace overlooking the water.

Photos: Ewout Huibers / Chris Collaris Architects

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Featured Gear

Vans UltraRange Rapidweld Shoe

Made for athletes in search of a comfortable shoe to wear while traveling, the Vans UltraRange Rapidweld is one of the most versatile in the brand's arsenal. It's made with a new UltraCush Lite midsole compound for added comfort and durability. It also has LuxLiner sock-fit construction for a secure, comfy fit, fully breathable mesh with Rapidweld details, and synthetic, textile, and suede uppers. Each pair is finished using water-based inks and glues and a durable rubber reverse waffle lug outsole.

Presented by Vans.

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Billy Reid Bond Peacoat

Perhaps the most iconic piece of clothing worn by James Bond in Skyfall, the traditional peacoat from then under-the-radar Alabama-based Billy Reid developed a story and cult status of its own. After learning Daniel Craig had purchased the same coat for himself prior to filming Skyfall, a small, in-house team at Billy Reid began an effort to have the coat placed organically in the upcoming Bond film. Successful in that mission, the peacoat went viral in the 007 community, selling out countless times, backordered for over 2 years, before finally being placed in the brand's core collection. Now available again in the same heavy 80% wool / 20% nylon blend as used in the film, it's not quite bulletproof, but you might feel that way slipping it on. Ideal for clandestine missions and polar vortexes alike.

Fits trim, but take your normal size.

Measurements are taken from a size Medium, lying flat: Body length 31.5" / Across shoulder 17.25" / Chest 21.75" / Sleeve length from center back point 35" / Waist 19.75" / Bottom opening 23"

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King Bill House

Located in Melbourne's Fitzroy neighborhood, the King Bill House puts a whimsical spin on a 1850s terrace home. Much of its original brick facade remains as a tribute to the structure's heritage while curved corrugated additions give the exterior a quirky touch that echoes the area's colorful character. Internally, rounded edges and playful details, like the hammock above the study, mimic the outside's eccentricity. The original lot has been expanded to a neighboring garden. To take advantage of its new verdant landscape, a winding, glass corridor connects the main house to an existing stable that has been converted into a garage and guesthouse. The glazed walkway not only fills the interior with natural light but also showcases the mature pear and silver birch trees that have occupied the property for decades.

Photos: Derek Swalwell / Austin Maynard Architects

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Villa Tjelta

Situated among the rolling hills of a Norwegian pasture, the Villa Tjelta uses the landscape to its advantage. The home is made up of two structures. Nestled between the slopes, the terrain defines an outdoor courtyard, sheltering it from the harsh winds. Its exterior echoes the agricultural heritage of the surrounding countryside with a weathered Corten steel facade, reminiscent of a rusted plow. Internally, a warm ash veneer lines the walls and ceilings. The singular material creates a modern, minimalist palette that contrasts the agrarian scenery that's displayed by continuous rows of glazed panels.

Photos: Knut Folstad / Hoem + Folstad Arkitekter

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Cortez Street House

The Cortez Street House breathes new life into a former Chicago butcher shop with a modern extension. The original building is a two-story structure built in 1905 from Chicago Common brick. Its lower level is now a main living area and a workshop for the owner where an antique Bromann Brothers cooler found in the property was restored, providing a partition between spaces. Off of the upper level, a weathered cube houses the master suite. Full-height glazing leads out to a private balcony created by a recessed wall. The cantilevered deck offers shade to the terrace below while its roof acts as a water collection system for the garden. Clad in Corten steel, the rusty attachment adds a contemporary contrast to the traditional existing masonry facade.

Photos: Carmen Troesser / Moss Design

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Zinfandel House

Combining vernacular architecture and contemporary design, the Zinfandel House gives the rustic Napa Valley barn a modern reinterpretation. The Wine Country retreat is sited in the St. Helena valley surrounded by vineyards and ancient oaks. The gabled structure's exterior nods to the local agrarian buildings with a western red cedar facade and metal roof. While the rustic palette continues on the interior with dark timber and steel trusses, clean white walls, steel frame windows, and concrete details drive the aesthetic in a modern direction. Panels of glazing wash living spaces with natural light while also framing in views of the rural landscape. Arranged around a central courtyard, the interior seamlessly flows to a poolside terrace that looks out to rows of grapes and the property's existing hay barn.

Photos: Joe Fletcher / Field Architecture

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Vallée du Parc House

Frank Lloyd Wright was known for connecting his architecture with nature. The Vallée du Parc House pays homage to the iconic architect by applying his philosophies to the 21st-century. Built in the Quebec countryside, the home blends into the rural landscape with a low-profile and timber facade while the irregular slopes of its angular roof resemble the surrounding hillsides. The interior is defined by clean white walls and vaulted ceilings, a contemporary counterpoint to the valley views highlighted by expansive glazed panels. To deepen the dialogue between the home and the setting, a network of external terraces bridge the gap between the interior and the outdoors.

Photos: Chevalier Morales Architectes

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Alpine Noir Chalet

Combining the right amount of coziness and funk, the Alpine Noir Chalet imports Dutch minimalism to the Oregon wilderness. Its sleek, simple form is clad in blackened timber. A warm wood entry leads into a whitewashed interior. Clean lines are defined by contrasting black trim and angled ceilings. A 16th-century Dutch painting from the Riks Museum in Amsterdam breaks up the monochromatic pallet. Rather than hanging on the walls, the masterpiece was printed on fabric and used to upholster a large section, transforming an Ikea sofa into a unique work of art.

Photos: Mikola Accuardi / Caseowrk

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Ben's Barn

Mixing salvaged materials with sustainable components, Ben's Barn brings the past into the present to reimagine the New England farmhouse. The current property was formerly occupied by an old 19th-century house and a barn. Its granite foundation now lines the exterior landscaping while new Maine cedar planks and a steel roof form the facade. On the inside, original timber roofing and wood cladding were repurposed for the new construction along with cabinetry and fixtures from a nearby mid-century modern teardown. Its exposed framework is a combination of reclaimed and new timbers. Raw steel beams and polished concrete floors offer an industrial counterpoint to the otherwise rustic aesthetic.

Photos: Caleb Johnson Studio

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Portola Valley Barn

With a barn-like exterior, the Portola Valley Barn pays homage to its pastoral surroundings while offering a contemporary California retreat within its weathered walls. The structure sits away from the main house, supplying a separate office, home theater, and guest suite to the property. Each space is housed in its own timber-clad unit. The three wings are joined by darkened connectors containing a kitchen and a powder room. Internally, clean lines and a refined palette provide a modern contrast to the rolling landscapes showcased through the generous glazed openings.

Photos: Matthew Millman / Walker Warner Architects

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Cabin Nerskogen

Situated in the mountains of Norway, the Cabin Nerskogen reimagines the alpine retreat. The home is comprised of three wings. Connected at the center, the gabled sections branch out in different directions and are capped with their own concrete fireplace. A mixture of carbonized wood and glass fill in between the fireplaces completing the material palette. Each extension is defined by a function with one housing the main living area, the master suite in another, and guest rooms occupying the final unit. Because of its sprawling design, every room is afforded its own unique view of the surrounding landscape.

Photos: Vardehaugen

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Owl Creek House

Sited high on a hillside looking out onto the Snowmass Mountains, the Owl Creek House is a multi-family retreat in Colorado. The dwelling was designed to connect people to the landscape and also to each other. Its triangular frame is clad in corten steel and rock, a pallet that blends into the mountainous setting. Internally, a rugged mix of natural materials continues throughout, complementing the scenery displayed by expansive glazed panels. Its two levels offer five bedrooms and are filled with lodge-like gathering areas that draw individuals together. The interior seamlessly flows to the outdoors where a series of terraces surround the exterior, including a triangular deck and spa that cantilevers out towards the mountains in the distance.

Photos: Robert Reck, Jeremy Bittermann, Stephen Miller / Skylab Architecture

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Aloha Surf Bar

Concrete usually leans more toward industrial but the Aloha Surf Bar gives off some serious beach vibes. The surf school and bar sit on the coast of Vila do Conde, Portugal. Mimicking the surrounding landscape, the structure's minimalist concrete form resembles the nearby dunes with curved lines and a grainy texture, while the raw palette blends into the sandy mounds. Its layout follows the shoreline allowing floor-to-ceiling glazing to showcase expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Overlooking the water, a deck extends out from the interior for direct access to the waves.

Photos: Hugo Monte Arquitecto

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Valpelline Bivouac

We've seen houses perched on a mountainside before but the Valpelline Bivouac takes that idea to a whole new level. The alpine shelter is anchored to a rocky peak over 10,000 feet off the ground in Italy's Morion ridge. It acts as a base for climbers trekking across the jagged chain of peaks. The hut is made from composite sandwich panels, wood, and steel that was prefabricated off-site and transported by helicopter. It lightly sits on its foundation, mounted in a way that causes little disruption to the terrain. Inside, the interior offers an area to prepare food, a table and chairs, and storage for equipment. An east-facing window allows in heat from the sun, providing a warm refuge from the elements as well as views of the Becca di Luseney, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn.

Photos: Grzegorz Grodzicki

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Glass Villa on the Lake

Transparency meets sustainability at the Glass Villa on the Lake. Although its form is just a simple cube, the home is wrapped in a glazed facade. This material choice creates a strong connection between the interior and the landscape by blurring all the boundaries and providing uninterrupted views. Nestled on a wooded shore, the surrounding trees create a veil of privacy for residents. What little isn't made of glass is clad in charred timber. Internally, an open floor plan reduces the need for partitions that could potentially obstruct views. A minimalist palette allows the scenery to shine while corner windows give the illusion of floating on the water's surface. Taking advantage of green technologies like a thermal heat pump and solar panels, the house consumes very little energy.

Photos: Mariashot.photo, Blue Sky / Mecanoo

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Happy Trails Ranch

Outside of Austin, a former chimpanzee farm has undergone an 8-year transformation to become the Happy Trails Ranch. At the heart of the 150-acre compound is the main house. The structure has been updated with a solid teak kitchen with soapstone surfaces. Shiplap walls and wood plank ceilings are held up by steel i-beams complete the internal palette. Just off the kitchen is a wet bar tucked below an alternating step stairway. The room's wine and whiskey is concealed by an old bank door taken from a Jesse James robbed-building. Overlooking the living area is a library. The cantilevered nook offers a cozy getaway adjacent to a neon cowboy. Also on the property is a 200-year-old reclaimed White Oak barn. The structure originally resided in upstate New York and was carefully disassembled and given new life as a studio on the site. Its rustic presence is contrasted by a sleek, black metal yoga studio. Its sliding doors open out to a serene setting formed by a reflection pool and meditation pond. The rest of the grounds are occupied by a clay tennis court, a sculptural koi fish pond, and a swimming pool.

Photos: Chase Daniels / Root Design

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