A modern, sustainable villa by Marc Architects sits on a small island outside Amsterdam. Designed as both a full-time residence and retreat, the 300-square-meter home includes a 35-square-meter terrace and features a compact, open layout that maximizes natural light and outdoor views. The house is o

A 10,000-square-foot custom barn in Manson, Washington, serves as both a functional agricultural building and a residential retreat. Designed by SkB Architects based on the client’s initial sketches, the structure includes ground-level storage for orchard equipment, a commercial kitchen, and a below

Concrete is widely used in construction, but several alternative materials offer comparable strength, better sustainability, or unique design benefits. Below are practical substitutes, each used in real-world projects that showcase their architectural potential.Rammed EarthRammed earth walls are den

Located in Terrebonne, Québec, this 724 m² residence by Saucier + Perrotte Architectes is designed to maximize river views while maintaining privacy from neighbors. The home features a horizontal concrete base with a cantilevered black zinc volume above, creating a clean, geometric silhouette.A floo

Tucked into the steep slope of a pine forest in Mexico’s Sierra de Pachuca, this bold cantilevered home balances rugged materials with a refined architectural vision.Designed by Rodrigo Saavedra, the structure projects over the terrain like a suspended volume, anchored by exposed concrete and steel.

This mountain home, located on the western slope of Wyoming’s Teton Range, was designed by Peter Zimmerman Architects and built by Yellowstone Traditions. The architecture replicates a traditional log homesteader cabin using reclaimed materials throughout.Glowing light from the interior highlights t

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Trancoso, Bahia, Casa Terra Sol blends contemporary Brazilian architecture with the serenity of tropical living. Designed by 73.Onze Arquitetura, this 1,094 m² villa sits on flat land embraced by native trees and opens onto a preserved green area, offering unobstruc

Tucked into the quiet meadows of Maasland, the Meadow House by JURY! is a remarkable reinterpretation of the traditional Dutch dike house. This renovation retains the grounded charm of the original structure while transforming it into a barn-inspired modern retreat. Clad in aged Padouk wood and stuc

Located in Brazil and designed by architects Thiago Brugnolo and Mariana Rotta of Taguá Arquitetura, AL House is a compact yet striking 3,660-square-foot residence where spatial fluidity takes center stage. The design anchors the social core at the heart of the lot, prioritizing interaction and natu

From royal palaces to high-rise personal towers, the biggest houses in the world are more than homes—they’re architectural landmarks packed with luxury amenities and global prestige. Here’s a look at some of the largest and most extravagant residences ever built.The Largest Residence in the World: I

Tucked into a lush green plot near Poznań, Poland, the S House by PL.Architekci is more than just a home, it’s a quiet retreat designed to disappear into its surroundings. The building winds gently between existing trees, thanks to its distinctive S-shaped plan, allowing the architecture to coexist

This 194-square-foot modular home, designed by Gabriela Casagrande Arquitetura for Nomaden, was unveiled at CASACOR Paraná 2025. It’s a compact structure with a minimal exterior, large openings, and a clean white facade, designed to sit lightly on the land. Despite its small footprint, the house inc

Designed by WillemsenU, this 1,829-square-foot home in the Netherlands was created as a private retreat for a couple seeking peace and seclusion after long workdays. Built into the landscape, the three-story residence is partially underground and concealed by a hill that doubles as its roof.The home

Built into a steep escarpment overlooking the Vistula River, the 3,330-square-foot 35:35 Slope House by 77 Studio Architecture integrates with the land in both form and function. Located in Poland, the home’s design follows the slope of the terrain, making the lower level nearly invisible from above

Designed by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, this 11,450-square-foot home in Long Island features a bold, geometric design inspired by the rolling landscape of East Hampton. With its aerospace-style structure and two levels of living space, the home presents a distinctly futuristic ae

Newly built homes often have construction issues, even after inspections. These can range from cosmetic imperfections to major structural defects. Identifying and fixing them before final payment or move-in is essential. Below are the most common exterior and interior problems to look for.Common Out

“My life isn’t that interesting,” says chef Euphemia Ng. Then she starts telling her story—and quickly proves herself wrong.“I was an active 3-year-old, and my grandmother took me to the farmers market in Hong Kong every morning so my aunts could sleep in,” the Tierrasanta resident recalls. “She sho

Juneteenth, sometimes called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, has grown from a local Texas tradition into a nationwide celebration. It marks the moment in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the freedom of around 250,000 enslaved people—symbolizing the end of

I’ll always remember one of my first times trail running in San Diego. I had just moved to the city and headed out to Los Penasquitos Canyon to run on the shady dirt trails there. I had heard warnings about rattlesnakes, so I had my guard up as I ran. Suddenly, a crashing sound came from the surroun

The US rings in its 249th birthday this summer, and San Diego County has no shortage of fêtes and firecrackers in store to commemorate the occasion. Whether you’re into beach picnics, small-town parades, or grand firework finales, here are 19 festive ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in San Diego