Situated in the suburbs of Melbourne, the Hawthorn House isn't enveloped in expansive landscapes but it is neighbored by three mature trees. To focus on the existing vegetation and the exterior garden, arch cutouts frame in the lush views. The remainder of the home is wrapped in a thick concrete shell, a contrast to the verdant surroundings. Its shell was formed on-site using rough-hewn Oregon timber, giving the facade a unique texture. The boards were then repurposed as fencing around the property. Exposed concrete on the interior creates a minimalist aesthetic while the addition of Blackbutt in the ceiling and cabinets along with verdant vistas from the glazing add a warm sense of sanctuary to the monolithic living spaces.

Photos: Ben Hosking / Edition Office

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Langitangi Country House

Iceland's landscape is made up of glacial river and volcanic mountains. The Langitangi Country House enhances that rugged terrain with a Brutalist facade. The summerhouse is made up of raw concrete blocks, forming two volumes under a single roof. Spread horizontally through the site, the structure sinks into the contours of the topography, integrating its rough exterior into the natural surroundings. Internally, a minimalist atmosphere dominates the living spaces complementing the nordic scenery. A combination of its linear layout and expansive glazing maximize views across the water and to the mountains in the distance.

Photos: Marino Thorlacius / Krads

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Owl's Head Mountain Barn Conversion

Bult from the ruins of an aged agrarian outbuilding, the Owl's Head Mountain Barn Conversion offers a secondary residence in Quebec. Every piece of the original structure was salvaged, numbered, and reinstalled to ensure its agricultural integrity remained intact while a new standing seam metal roof brings a modern complement to the weathered facade. Although the exterior retains its rural roots, whitewashed walls, marble finishes, and steel-frame windows transform the interior into a contemporary dwelling. Existing wood beams create a natural divide among the open living spaces and soaring 30-foot ceilings make room form expansive glazing focused on views of Sutton Mountain.

Photos: Ulysse Lemerise Bouchard / La Firme

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Point Nepean House

Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the Point Nepean House rests among the tea trees of the Australian coast. A Travertine facade integrates the residence into the site's breakwater boulders. The rugged stone material can also hold up to the peninsula's harsh climate. Sustainably-harvested teak screens add a warm complement to the exterior. When closed, they offer shelter from region's intense winds and summer sun while framing in views of the bay when open. Upon entry, the home's interior includes an atrium-style courtyard leading to a main living area that features expansive ocean vistas.

Photos: Derek Swalwell / B.E. Architecture

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Sao Paulo Container House

Comprised of two 40-foot shipping containers, the Sao Paulo Container House makes recycling look chic. The metal structures are attached side-by-side to offer a 194-square-foot home. Their corrugated facade is hidden beneath a layer of Dekton — a material made from a mixture of quartz, porcelain, and glass — to create a smooth surface. A cohesive white palette creates a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, perfectly complemented with furniture by Oki Sato of Studio Nendo. Recessed lighting and a glass facade illuminate the interior while the glazing expands the modest living spaces to a bamboo garden featuring a custom-made granite bench.

Photos: Ruy Teixeira / Marilia Pellegrini Arquitetura

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Casa Sombreros

Patagonia's surreal landscapes make it a dream destination for a rural retreat but its remote location makes it less than ideal to build one. Casa Sombreros overcomes the challenge with a prefab construction. Overlooking Patagonia's largest lake, the shingled dwelling is made entirely from prefabricated materials and was assembled in five months. It's comprised of two intersecting volumes perched over the bank on steel stilts. The foundation is secured directly to the bedrock for added stability while contributing minimal disruption to the existing terrain. Internally, native timber lines the open living spaces, a complement to the rugged scenery viewed from east-facing glazing. Wrapped in oak decks, the interior effortlessly transitions to the outdoors for unobstructed views of the glacial waters and the Andes mountain in the distance.

Photos: Nico Saieh / SAA Arquitectura + Territorio

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Porta Volta Garage Conversion

Housed in a former 19th-century auto repair garage, the Porta Volta Garage Conversion fuses its historic roots with contemporary finishes and custom furniture to create a modern loft in Milan. The building's original arches and exposed brick walls create a dramatic backdrop for the open living space. A larch wood ceiling complements the classic details while concrete walls and furniture, fittings, and fixtures designed by the architect add to the industrial atmosphere. As a tribute to the owner's passion for sailing, the home incorporates subtle nautical references including wide-lank oak floors resembling the decking on boats, wooden stairs in the shape of propellers, and slate-colored bathroom tile from Liguria — a maritime destination frequented by the client. The centerpiece of the interior is the staircase. Its spiral steps transport inhabitants to upper-level's master bedroom through a two-story concrete cylinder.

Photos: Matteo Piazza / Tomo Architects

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Featured Gear

Ministry of Supply Kinetic Pants

Made from resilient Japanese warp-knit fabric, Kinetic pants combine classic looks with the feel of something you'd wear to a workout. Each pair provides unrivaled mobility and stretch thanks to Primeflex polyester that has the feel and structure of a woven but bends and stretches like a knit. The pants are also water-repellent, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle-free, and are perfect for travel and daily wear, where they respond to your movement and always bounce back.

Presented by Ministry of Supply.

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Vafels Plant-Based Waffles

Made in Boulder, Colorado, these plant-based waffles are an energy bar alternative, great for snacking in-between meals, after a workout, mid-trail or mid-ride. The modern take on a centuries-old tradition uses a brioche-based dough that cold-ferments overnight. It's then infused with pearl sugar imported from Belgium and finished in an authentic Liège waffle iron. They're best toasted in a conventional toaster, and you should never microwave them. If you're taking them on the go or you're just short on time, let them thaw for a few hours and enjoy at room temperature. They arrive partially frozen in environmentally friendly, compostable packaging and should be thrown in the freezer immediately. Available in original and gluten-free varieties.

Sold as a pack of 6.

Serving Size 1 Vafel (80g) / 6 Servings per container

Nutrition & Ingredients: 10g Total Fat / 2.3g Saturated Fat / 3.3g Polyunsaturated Fat / 383g Monounsaturated Fat / 310mg Sodium / 50g Total Carbohydrates / 2g Dietary Fiber / 18g Total Sugars / 5g Protein / 20.9mg Calcium / 2.2mg Iron / 89mg Potassium

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Casa MM

Casa MM is sited at the foot of a mountain range that draws in tourists to its nearby trails. To combat the high traffic area, the dwelling uses a wedge design. The narrow end of the home is oriented at the paths while the roofline inclines toward the peaks, taking the focus off the visiting hikers and placing it on the surrounding scenery. Its sloping profile mimics the rolling terrain while the concrete and stone facade complements the rugged environment. External materials are left exposed on the interior and are met with rich wood tones. The combination creates a modern atmosphere that balances the views of the rural landscapes.

Photos: Federico Cairoli / Alarciaferrer Arquitectos

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House ILL

Designed by INT2 architects and rendered by Dave Bowcutt, the House ILL places an off-grid cabin in the forest of Latvia. The dwelling is imagined as a simple, gabled form that has been wrapped in black metal siding. Its ends are clad in reclaimed barn wood, tying the structure to the landscape and offering a warm contrast to the dark facade. While the modern retreat is easy on the eyes, it's also easy on the environment therefore creating a harmonious union between minimalist design and eco-friendly living.

Photos: Dave Bowcutt / Behance

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Wild Lilac House

Situated on a hilltop in Southern California, the Wild Lilac House is a modern refuge in San Bernardino National Forest. The property is comprised of a main residence and pool house. Both are formed by thickened walls running east-to-west across the terrain, shielding the home's more private areas and protecting the interior from the sun. The concrete barriers are connected by a glass facade affording views of the sunset across the valley to the west. To the east, sliding glass door expand the living space out to a central courtyard with an integrated pool and spa. Concrete steps lead up to the pool house offering an additional perch to overlook the mountainous landscape.

Photos: Joe Fletcher / Walker Workshop

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OCM House

A small Australian home has given traditional board and batten siding a contemporary update. The black fibre cement dwelling uses its mullions to create geometric, grid-like patterns for a sleek, modern take on the classic facade. Internally, natural plywood panels line the interior providing a warm contrast to the dark exterior shell. Polished concrete floors add to the minimalist aesthetic while the kitchen's black tile backsplash mimics the external cladding. In the main living area, sliding glass doors expand the modest interior to a covered timber terrace overlooking the property's lawn and garden.

Photos: Ryan Jellyman / Studio Jackson Scott

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Maullin Lodge

Neighboring the forest of southern Chile, the Maullin Lodge modernizes the traditional vernacular of the area. Much of the dwelling is clad in recycled timber shingles and takes on a simple, gabled form like a classic southern home. Topped with a metal roof, the oversized eaves create a covered outdoor terrace overlooking the native trees. Its interior is dominated by open living spaces where timber beam ceilings hover above concrete floors. A northern glazed facade wrapping the main living area floods the room with natural light while windows inserted into the pitch of the roof bring in rays from above. Although the internal partitions are lined in wood planks, the walls of floor-to-ceiling glass afford views of the rural landscape to the ground floor as well as the mezzanine above.

Photos: Marcos Zegers / AVON Arquitectos

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Red Hill House

Located in Australia's capital city Canberra, the Red Hill House is a lesson in simple sophistication. Its minimalist exterior is formed by a series of interlocking rectangular volumes. A row of hedges conceals the geometric exterior from the street creating an entry from a forecourt. Internally, a double-height foyer leads to the main living area. Stark white walls and limestone floors produce a singular palette that is complemented by dark stained American oak and contemporary fixtures. While an intersecting pavilion extends toward the tennis court to house a garage, a loggia provides access to a pool and steam room. Walls of glazing inserted throughout the interior slide open, expanding the indoors out to a park-like garden with terraced lawns and reflection ponds.

Photos: Romello Pereira / Mathieson Architects

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Pavillon Notre-Dame

In April, Notre-Dame caught fire during a renovation and continued to burn for over 15 hours. Much of the cathedral was damaged including the roof and the 19th-century timber spire but not beyond repair. While the beloved 850-year-old landmark awaits restoration, Gensler has designed a temporary place of worship for the people of Paris and its visitors. The proposed interim structure will be located in the cathedral's Parvis Square just outside the church and will feature a rectangular charred timber frame to represent the ancient beams lost to the flames. Wrapped in translucent polycarbonate walls and an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene cushioned roof, the transparent facade will flood the chapel with natural light to provide an ethereal atmosphere while at the same time, keeping the focus on Notre-Dame itself.

Photos: Gensler

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Opus Hotel

Before her death in 2016, Zaha Hadid had multiple projects in the works. Among them was The Opus — home of the first ME by Melia hotel in the Middle East. The only building design by the Dame in Dubai, the free-form glass and steel structure is located in the city's Burj Khalifa district. It bears the architect's signature sculpted style, resembling a cube with its center carved out. The central void creates two, tower-like volumes connected by a three-story bridge. Along with the 100 rooms and 60 apartments for the hotel, the Opus will also offer 12 restaurants, a rooftop bar, and 56,000-square-feet of office space.

Photos: Laurian Ghinitoiu / Zaha Hadid Architects

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Featured Gear

SimpliSafe Home Security

Protecting your property shouldn't involve drilling holes and running wires. The Simplisafe Home Security System requires none of the above, and is easy to install yourself. It starts with a base station that connects to their service via WiFi with a backup cellular connection for emergencies. You can arm and disarm it from the keypad, with a key fob, or with your phone. Add on as many entry, motion, smoke, glass break, and CO sensors as you need — the system is easily expandable to fit your needs, and comes with the assurance of 24/7 monitoring.

Presented by SimpliSafe.

As seen in Uncrate Issue 04.

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Smart Rope Jump Rope

Jumping rope is one of the best ways to burn calories, and now you can train and track at the same time with this smart rope. The rope combines form and function with comfortable 45 degree angled handles to help make this age-old workout more interesting. Other ropes on the market provide tracking, but none have a strand of bright white LEDs that are visible while you're jumping. View jump counts, calories burned, or the duration of your workout as the rope swings in front of you. All the data is then transmitted via Bluetooth to a smartphone app — meaning all you have to supply is some sweat and an epic workout soundtrack.

Sizing:

Medium 101 inches / 258 cm
Large : 107 inches / 274 cm

Battery:

Full charge in 2 hours / 36 hours of use / Lithium Polymer Battery

Connectivity:

Bluetooth 4.0 LE two-way communication with smartphone

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Joshua Tree Desert Retreat

Combing the calming scenery of Joshua Tree and sleek, minimalist design, this modern retreat is the ideal solution for the hassles of urban life. The desert dwelling is situated on a sandy plot. An office area cantilevers over a natural slope, propped up in a foundation of stilts. Wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing, the interior is surrounded by views of the mountainous landscape while a concrete facade offers protection from the harsh sun and wind. The entire home operates off-grid and is powered by solar panels and a battery back-up system.

Photos: Mark Davidson / Northworks Architects

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Efjord Retreat Cabin

The landscapes surrounding Norway's Halvarøy Island are nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Efjord Retreat Cabin ensures the attention stays of the surreal scenery with an angular design. Integrated into the natural slope of the terrain, the dwelling is comprised of two volumes clad in iron sulfate-treated core pinewood. Each one is positioned in a way to allow floor-to-ceiling glazing to take advantage of the mountain vistas and the Ofoten fiord to the west. Its interior features natural materials including birch and granite and offers two bedrooms, open living spaces, and, of course, an aspen-lined sauna.

Photos: Steve King / Snorre Stinessen

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Path of Perspectives Viewpoint

Placed throughout the Nordkette mountain range, the Path of Perspectives Viewpoint offers unique outlooks on the Austrian Alps. The trail begins at the Seegrube cable car station 1,905 meters above sea level. Along the 1.7-mile walkway, a series of 10 architectural elements have been integrated into the terrain to accentuate views of the surrounding scenery. Each one is made from Corten steel, giving them a weathered finish that blends into the grassy hillsides and feature quotes from the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein engraved into the panels. Along with a perch highlighting Langer Sattel and Frau Hitt peaks and an amphitheater embedded into "Big Stone," the path features a cantilevered platform that suspends hikers over the hillside for surreal vistas of Inn Valley below.

Photos: Christian Flatscher / Snohetta

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House for a Photographer

Placed in an abandoned quarry neighboring Brecon Beacons National Park, the House for a Photographer is inspired by the dweller's craft. The long, rectangular form resembles the darkened box of a camera obscura. Its concrete and red oxidized steel shell sits lightly on the site, elevated on a foundation of stilts to not disrupt the natural landscape. A steel bridge leads to an interior that features four bedrooms, a dark room, and library, while a concealed door opens to a hidden outdoor cigar room. A combination of natural light and minimalist design throughout shape an ideal space for creating and displaying art. On the end of the structure, a wall of glazing acts as a lens capturing views of the surrounding nature.

Photos: Hyde + Hyde Architects

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Cliff Concept Boutique Hotel

Every year, around 200,000 tourists hike up Noway's Preikestolen to get a glimpse of the incredible views. The Cliff Concept Boutique Hotel wants to give those travelers an extended stay on the edge of the 1,982-foot bluff. Anchored to the rock face, the five-tier structure would cantilever over the Lysefjorden Fjord where rounded balconies will overlook the Scandes scenery. What makes this hotel a potential bucket-list item is its pool. Suspended over the water, the infinity pool features transparent walls that give swimmers a birds-eye-view of the landscape below.

Photos: Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio

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MH House

Located on the coast of Brazil's São Paulo, the MH House is settled within the dense Atlantic forest. The home interacts with its surrounding with a free-flowing design. Glazed doors slide open to create a seamless transition from the main living area to a large outdoor terrace for open-air living. Immersed in lush vegetation, the external space offers a tranquil atmosphere for swimming and lounging. While the construction and the aesthetic of the dwelling are modern, natural materials including wood-lined interiors, sawed granite floors, and a charred timber cladding harmonize with the local landscape.

Photos: Leonardo Finotti / Jacobsen Arquitetura

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Red Hill Farm House

Surrounded by grassy pastures occupied by horses and cattle, the Red Hill Farm House offers a modern complement to the bucolic landscape. The home takes on a low, ranch-style profile, much like the area's rural vernacular architecture, while black timber cladding gives the exterior a minimalist update. Comprised of three pavilions, the u-shaped dwelling is arranged around a central courtyard. The outdoor space leads into the main living area where steel, polished concrete, and cool gray hues add to the contemporary aesthetic. Comprised of an open concept, floor-to-ceiling glazing affords the interior views over the farmland as well as offering glimpses of the Mornington Peninsula coastline in the distance.

Photos: Sharyn Cairns / Carr Design Group

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Andros Island Summer House

Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Andros Island Summer House blends itself into the rocky landscape. The home is divided into three volumes that are embedded along the sloping terrain, resembling the native settlements of the area. Their use of local materials and traditional methods complement the surrounding landscape to create a harmonious transition between the natural environment and the dwelling. A central courtyard connects the different structures. Free of any barriers, the void affords views of the coastal setting while the buildings provide shelter from the sun and wind.

Photos: Erieta Attali / Couvelas/Kouvelas

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Turlersee Lake House

Inspired by both the water and the forest, the Turlersee Lake House is a modern tribute to its surroundings. The home is defined by its dramatic curved profile created by a wall that gradually transforms into a roof. Although the seamless transition gives the illusions that the home is organically emerging from the water's surface, almost like a wave, its concrete facade gives the exterior a sculpted appearance. Subtle nods to the landscape continue on the interior with timber-clad walls. An arc of floor-to-ceiling windows and a glazed roof flood the interior with natural light while immersing the living spaces in views of the forest and lake.

Photos: WAFAI Architects

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Pentahouse

Named after its use of geometric forms, the Pentahouse reimagines the modern mountain home. The structure's comprised of a series of concrete pentagons. Ranging in size, the layers create a series of slopes and peaks, reminiscent of the contours of a towering range. Internally, its pitched roof results in dramatic vaulted ceilings throughout the living spaces. Exposed concrete establishes a sleek, minimalist aesthetic while expansive glazed inserts bring in views of the surrounding landscapes. Currently, still in the concept phase, the project was designed by Wamhouse Studio's Karina Wiciak and will hopefully see completion in the near future.

Photos: Karina Wiciak / Wamhouse Studio

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Magnolia Courtyard House

Although it's located within Seattle's city limits, the Magnolia Courtyard House offers the same rugged views found in rural Washington. The home is organized around a central courtyard filled with alpine trees and wild grasses. Large windows integrate the landscape into the interior while hardwood-framed glazed doors slide open to create a seamless transition between the indoors and the exterior deck. A pair of board-form concrete volumes shield the garden retreat from neighbors and black panels provide privacy for the upper level. Internally, a palette of concrete, wood, and dark finishes mixes with modern furnishings to create a sleek, inviting atmosphere to take in the surrounding views.

Photos: Andrew Pogue / MW Works

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Matanzas House

Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the Matanzas House is a coastal vacation home in Chile. The structure is comprised of a central core and four wings arranged on a circular travertine base. The main living area is the heart of the home while rectangular extensions stretch out in each direction, creating a series of exterior courtyards. Open doorways connect each section to the center to form one, continuous interior. Fitted with sliding glass doors, every room opens to outdoor terraces, transforming the entire home into an open-air pavilion overlooking the sea.

Photos: Roland Halbe / Cristián Izquierdo Lehmann

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Werder Lake House

Sited on a hilltop overlooking the Havel River, the Werder Lake House adapts to the changing seasons in modern fashion. The concrete base resembles a found stone that has been hallowed out and converted into a home. Residents can stay warm during the winter months within its thick concrete walls, conserving energy and heating costs. When the temperature rises, dwellers move to the wooden expansion above. Folding doors extend the upper level to an outdoor terrace allowing for double the living space throughout the summer. Internally, materials have been left exposed to creating a light, minimalist backdrop to showcase the surrounding garden views.

Photos: Jurek Brueggen

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Country Garden House

Located in Portland, the Country Garden House takes inspiration from a traditional farmhouse with its gabled roof and reclaimed barn wood siding. The same contemporary country vibes continue on the interior with timber-clad walls and beamed ceilings. Comprised of open living spaces, custom millwork, and a double-height stone fireplace create a subtle division between each area. Expansive grid windows flood rooms with natural light while also framing in views of the exterior garden. Seamlessly, the indoors expand to exterior patios surrounded by the dramatic landscape.

Photos: Jeremy Bitterman / Olson Kundig

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