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

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

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

Lost Whiskey Concrete Cabin

Perched on a mountainside along the Appalachian Trail, the Lost Whiskey Concrete Cabin turns cantilevering into a fine art. The 160-square-foot off-grid dwelling is made entirely from pre-cast concrete panels. Its minimalist shell marries with reclaimed wood and steel to create an aesthetic that is equal parts rustic and modern. The interior offers just a single room with a murphy bed and sitting area arranged around a wood burning stove as well as a shower and composite toilet. Large glazed panels create the illusion of space by offering extensive views of the landscape while glass doors open to the deck. Extending off the terrain, the outdoor area features a fire pit, a Dutch hot tub, and a hammock overlooking the vast Virginia wilderness.

Photos: Mitch Allen Photo / Green Spur

Lochside House

Overlooking a lake in the Scottish Highlands, the Lochside House was constructed with great respect to its setting. The off-grid dwelling is made from prefabricated panels for minimal impact on the natural environment. The structure also minimizes its energy use with solar panels and its own water supply, sewage treatment, and electrical systems. Made up of three gabled volumes clad in a palette of stone and larch, it pays homage to the peninsula's vernacular architecture while complementing the pristine setting. Internally, oiled timber and white walls create a soft, airy atmosphere, allowing the surrounding mountains and forest to take the focus.

Photos: Richard Fraser / Haysom Ward Miller Architects

Open x Xiaomi Mars Case House

While we seem to be getting closer and closer to a life on Mars, one studio imagines our future dwellings on the Red Planet. The Open x Xiaomi Mars Case House is a compact, net-zero living pod. Assuming we'll only be able to take the essentials, all of the service components will be inflatable allowing the entire 2.4m x 2.4m x 2m module to be folded for easy transportation. Resources will likely be minimal making recycling heat, energy, and water crucial. Each module will be fitted with an integrated ecosystem that will self-circulate, reusing everything from exhaust to condensation. The project is a collaboration between Open Architecture and electronics company Xiaomi in an effort to combine design and technology in a way that will accommodate the future lifestyles.

Photos: Open Architecture / Xiaomi

Cercal House

Built into a hillside in Alentejo, Portugal, the Cercal House is a modern addition to the rolling terrain. The dwelling takes the form of a traditional gabled structure while a sleek white facade and clean lines create a contemporary context. Its minimalist aesthetic continues on the interior where the presence of natural light creates a bright, airy atmosphere. The main living area occupies the center of the home. Fitted with a pair of sliding doors, the entire wall opens, removing all boundaries between the interior and the landscape and expanding the room out to a poolside terrace.

Photos: Richard John Seymour / Atelier Data

Kloof 119A House

Surrounded by the best South African landscapes, the Kloof 119A House's masterful use of glazing ensures no view goes unseen. The most prominent feature is its inverted pyramid roof. Fitted with a clerestory window, the ceiling displays Table Mountain and Lion's Head for the main living areas on the uppermost level. Additional panels of floor-to-ceiling glass frame in scenery that includes Signal Hill and the mountains of the Boland. While there's no shortage of views from the interior, the most dramatic panorama comes from the poolside terrace that looks over the city of Cape Town and to the Winelands beyond.

Photos: Adam Letch & Mickey Hoyle / SAOTA

Parallel House

Situated on a hillside overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Parallel House uses a linear layout to take advantage of its Cycladic setting. The single level home is partially embedded into the terrain while the waterfront end opens to the sweeping vistas. Its rectilinear form houses a series of rooms that run in a lateral chain, linking indoor and outdoor spaces. Internally, the board-formed concrete facade is left exposed on the inside, complemented by polished concrete floors and warm wood cabinetry. Walls of floor-to-ceiling glazing affords coastal views to the entire interior.

Photos: Yiorgis Yerolymbos / En Route Architects

First Lessons House

For architect Ray Dinh, the First Lessons House is just that. The home is his debut project after going solo and is a practice in mastering the basics. Part of that was creating a design that responds to its landscape along with the owner's needs which included an abundance of exterior space to take advantage of views of Australias's Portsea lagoon and wildlife reserve. The result is a charred blackbutt, concrete, and corrugated iron structure with seamless indoor/outdoor living. Large sliding glass doors aid in this transition, allowing for unobstructed views of the garden when closed and direct access to the central terrace when open. Acting as more of an extension of the interior rather than a separate space, the deck features its own dining table and BBQ for summer dinners and a sitting area organized around the double-sided fireplace.

Photos: Peter Bennetts / Ray Dinh Architecture

Platform House

Sited on a triangular lot in Sydney, the Platform House mimics its geometric site with a dramatic angular design. The home, or platform for living as Studioplusthree likes to call it, is made up of a pair of stacked volumes. Its lower level is housed in a while shell and consists of four bedrooms. Perched above, the contrasting charred cypress unit places the main living area in the treetops. It's interior is light and airy, an atmosphere created by a pale palette and loads of natural light. Carefully placed windows frame in the verdant scenery while sliding doors open to a north-facing deck. Cantilevering over the ground floor, the upper floor creates shelter for the garden terrace below.

Photos: Brett Boardman, Noel Mclaughln / Studioplusthree

True North House

Many structures draw inspiration from the landscape but the True North House takes a unique approach. Due to the fact that the home is surrounded by manmade scenery created by the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in Canada, it instead mimics the horizon by aligning its linear layout with the north cardinal axis. Its sleek shell is constructed from board-form concrete and blackened steel. Internally, white walls and polished concrete floors carry on the exterior's simplicity. Expansive glazed panels wash the interior with natural light while also opening the interior to views of the surroundings. When the warmer months roll around, a series of courtyards offer an exterior escape from the area's harsh winds.

Photos: Adrien Williams / Alain Carle Architecte

Long Horizontals House

Nestled in the mountains of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in Québec, the Long Horizontals House is a sleek interpretation of the rugged mountainscapes that surrounds it. The home sits on a concrete foundation as though its an extension of the rocky plot. On the road side, wood planks clad the stacked boxes, shielding the interior from outsiders. The exterior palette runs into the interior where natural light washes concrete floors and timber ceilings. Blackened steel, contemporary fixtures, and clean lines provide a modern balance to the rustic backdrop showcased through floor-to-ceiling glazing. Encased in glass, the dining area extends out toward the river completely immersing guests in the dramatic scenery. To further showcase the location, the main living area opens to an outdoor deck enclosed by a glass railing, not to obstruct the sweeping views.

Photos: Charles Lanteigne / Thellend Fortin Architects

Titlis 3020 Mountain Outpost

The summit of the Swiss mountain Titlis measures in at 3,000 meters above sea level. Its peak draws in over a million tourists every year and its former mountain outpost could no longer meet the demands. Architects Herzog & de Meuron plan to replace the dated 1967 summit station with the Titlis 3020 Mountain Outpost. The project calls for a new alpine station with a bar and restaurant as well as an updated antenna tower and underground tunnel. Its innovative design aims to transform Alpine architecture while showcasing Switzerland's surreal landscapes.

Photos: Herzog & de Meuron

Crowhill Cabin

The Crowhill Cabin isn't trying to compete with its landscape. Its minimalist design aims to enhance the Canadian mountainside. Sitting on a raw concrete foundation, the home is comprised of two timber-clad boxes connected by an entryway. The dark hue of their charred hemlock planks compliments the surrounding forest while the interior's muted palette displays the scenery from the floor-to-ceiling glazed panels. In one volume are the living spaces and the other houses the bedrooms, offering maximum privacy to its inhabitants. Both modules are oriented towards the treetops, allowing the entire interior to take advantage of the best views.

Photos: Nature Humaine Architecture

2I4E House

Embedded into the Mexican landscape, the 2I4E House almost looks like it was chiseled into the mountainside. Its geometric concrete shell emerges from the rocky terrain like it is a part of the existing environment on one side while the stacked boxes cantilever over the ground on the other. Their staggard placement creates a series of terraces and balconies around the exterior, immersing occupants in the verdant surroundings. The raw material was left exposed on the interior developing a minimalist palette that allows the area's vibrant greenery to pop through the vast amounts of glazing.

Photos: Arquitectura / P+0 Arquitectura

Kawartha Lake Cottage

With its black cladding and warm minimalist interior, the Kawartha Lake Cottage will give you some real cabin fever. It starts with a traditional A-frame form. A dramatic pitch and cut out send it toward the modern side. The open section creates a cantilevered terrace while its mirrored facade reflects the forest floor. Although the exterior is full of whimsical touches, the inside has its own quirky flair. Its pale plywood lining is punctuated by fourteen openings in both the walls and ceiling. A semi-floating staircase leads to the loft where a wall is covered in light-blue shingles. From there, occupants can peek down at the living space below or gaze at the treetop from the adjacent glazing.

Photos: Naho Kubota / UUfie

Casa Santo Antonio

Rather than carving through the terrain to accommodate the home, Casa Santo Antonio adapts to its sloped site with a layered design. The home is located in the Sierra de Mantiqueira region of Brazil. It responds to the steep plot by dividing into three stages. The upper level sits below an oversized roof and houses the main living areas. Its glazed facade opens to transform the space into an open-air pavilion. A walkway leads down the hill to the private bedrooms. A U-shaped design creates a central courtyard between the two structures. Both units are situated to take advantage of the property's dual scenery, the forest on one side and the expansive mountainscape of the other.

Photos: Pedro Napolitano Prata / H+F Arquitetos

Cerna Voda Mountain Lodge

Sitting on the property of the Tereza chalet in the Czech Republic, the Cerna Voda Mountain Lodge houses some very lucky guests. The simple gabled form is clad in a mixture of blackened aluminum and matching timber siding, a stark contrast to the snow-covered surroundings of the Krkonoše mountains. Although it's dark and brooding on the outside, the interior is a warm retreat. Walls, floors, and ceilings are lined with golden wood planks providing a minimalist cabin atmosphere. Contemporary fixtures and geometric tiles emphasize the modern tone. Large panels of glazing afford views of the neighboring peaks while an exterior steel terrace overlooks the Malá Úpa river below.

Photos: BoysPlayNice / ADR

Casa G

Situated between the mountains and the sea, Casa G complements Iceland's impressive landscape with its own dramatic design. The main structure is comprised of a rectangular form made of concrete and glass. A curved wooden wall appears to be propped up against the remainder of the house, giving it an asymmetrical shape. Its interior mimics the surrounding volcanic ash with slate-colored stone floors and cabinetry. A matching Icelandic bluestone staircase leads to the upper floor that looks out over the two-story living area below. Walls of glazing to the north and south maximize views of the rugged scenery to both levels.

Photos: Gudmundur Jonsson Architects

SJAIII House

Scan across the rocky coastline and you might miss the SJAIII House. The home is almost entirely embedded into the San Juan de Alim, Mexico landscape. Hanging vines and native vegetation cascade over the front elevation, making the exterior become a part of the scenery. Its interior is wrapped in rich woods, a warm contrast to the hillside's exposed stone. Retractable walls turn the inside into an open-air pavilion with extensive views over the Pacific Ocean. The living spaces now spill out onto an outdoor terrace covered by the oversized roof. A stone walkway leads down to a swimming pool. Like the rest of the residence, the water feature is integrated into the natural environment using the existing rock formations as a basin.

Photos: Rory Gardiner and Javier Dueñas / Casas de Mexico

Shangri-la Cabin

Nestled in a Chilean forest, the Shangri-la Cabin takes direction from its century-old neighbors. The shelter is clad in pine and charred like the remnants of volcanic ash while the interior is lined with timber planks made from the property's fallen trees. It sits on a concrete platform and rises vertically like the surrounding saplings seeking the light. The warmth of the wood interior provides refuge from the often harsh climate offering a sitting room, kitchenette, and sleeping loft arranged around a wood-burning stove and north-facing glazing highlights the towering canopies. This particular cabin is just the first in a series that will eventually occupy the wooded landscape.

River Yealm Boathouse

Siberian larch siding, exposed steel framework, and expansive river views — this sounds like the makeup of an extraordinary waterfront retreat. Unfortunately for those with a pulse, the only thing staying inside this house is a 14-foot speedboat. The maritime shed sits on the banks of England's River Yealm in the company of the 1880 Baring Boathouse. Its exterior complements the historic setting with a weathered timber finish and a reclaimed Cornish granite slip. Rather than taking up the majority of the ground level, the main occupant is stored in the eaves above. The boat is launched into the water by a custom-made mechanical hoist leaving room for other small crafts.

Photos: Nick Kane / Wimshurst Pelleriti

Ktima House

Burrowed into a coastal hillside is the Ktima House. Although the exterior is more sleek and modern than the traditional architecture, its white stucco facade is at home on the Cydadelic island of Antiparos. Its walls hug the topography of the land and when paired with its green roof, creates the illusion of a continuous, jagged line from above. However, its seaside elevation looks like an ancient fortress. The interior is equally minimalist filled with clean lines and a sterile white palette. Due to the staggered layout, a series of outdoor terraces extend from the living spaces, including an expansive poolside patio overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Photos: Claudio Reis / Camilo Rebelo

Clear Rock Ranch

Propped above the landscape on a limestone cliff edge, the Clear Rock Ranch boasts some of the best views in West Texas. Its compact size is ideal for a weekend retreat or studio while its location provides vantage points across the 1,000-acre property giving the structure the ability to function as a hunting blind or observation deck. Raw and weathered, the steel facade is at home among the rugged scenery and offers a subtle nod to the owner's welding past. Whether you're outside on one of the multiple terraces or inside behind the floor-to-ceiling windows, the vast wilderness is always in full sight.

Photos: Casey Dunn / Lemmo Architecture and Design

Haus P

With a shallow gabled roof and simple form, Haus P starts with a traditional Allgäu home. It takes a contemporary turn by slicing a section out of the middle. This modification transforms the classic silhouette into two abstract volumes with one functioning as a shed and the other as a residence. Both exteriors are clad in charred timber, a complement to the southern Germany landscape. Internally, pale wood planks line every wall, ceiling, and floor creating a warm minimalist shell. The only exceptions are the concrete fireplace and the floor-to-ceiling windows that allow in the views of the surrounding verdant mountainsides.

Photos: Brigida Gonzalez , Rena Lorenz / Studio Yonder

3Box92 House

Built off-site using only sustainable materials, the 3Box92 House is a vertical extension of a 19th-century building. The home sits on a street in the Boulogne Billancourt district of Paris. Its black limewash facade and modern cubic form is a stark contrast to the existing architecture. Inside, the geometric theme continues where stacked boxes form the internal layout. The staggered pattern creates a series of terraces and cantilevers on the rear elevation. This south end consists of a garden and pool backed by an opposing white limewash. Utilizing prefabricated systems, the entire project was constructed with only natural, recyclable items, and responsibly harvested wood.

Photos: Stephane Malka Architecture

Treow Brycg House

Dark, brooding, and tough as nails, the Treow Brycg House embodies the spirit of a great seaside fortress. The residence is located on the coast of Nova Scotia. Its slanted form is modeled after the gambrel-roofed barns native to the region. Paired with its extra-dark bronze aluminum shield, the home can stand up to the harsh coastal climate. The oceanfront facade consists of concrete and blackened timber. Glazed panels running the length of the north elevation offer extensive views of Kingsburg beach to the two-story interior. In contrast to its somber exterior, the inside is full of warm details produced by walnut finishes and brass fixtures. A cantilevered deck extends toward the water, acting as an outpost to keep a watchful eye on the shore below.

Photos: Ema Peter / Omar Gandhi