Conceived as an empty-nesters paradise this house was designed as a series of pods to maximize the efficiency of the footprint and to celebrate the interrelationship of the interior and exterior spaces. Both indoor and outdoor living areas are promoted by the building’s harmonious relationship with the natural environment. The undulating form steps down the hillside to frame incredible views of the landscape and surrounding golf course from every point in the house and a combination of decks, bridges and patios encourage the residents to be outside. This line between in and out is further diffused by both the structure and the material palette’s movement across the exterior threshold, while the shading devices, trellises and large eves provide protection and privacy for year round use and enjoyment of the entire site. This residence is truly a deliberate response to both the owner’s lifestyle and their love of nature.

floor to ceiling windows lighten the ceiling, draw in an abundance of light and reinforce a sense of spatial continuity. the clear picture window facing the forest viscerally extends this sense to the exterior. the main house cued an unencumbered modern aesthetic with significant clear-span ceilings and abundant natural light. photo by muffy kibbey.

LG House (Edmonton) Design :: thirdstone inc. [^] Photography :: Merle Prosofsky

Carefully sited onto its environment, this dwelling was placed to reveal a magnificent vista. Maximizing the use of the site by creating stepped terraces that envelope the residence and frame the spectacular views. The long reflecting pool provides its orientation amongst the sweeping panorama of the surrounding hills that enhance the relationship of the interior and exterior spaces of this multi-story home. The dynamic thrust of the soaring inverted roof meets the landscape beneath a dominant overhang. The result is a sense of protected openness and freedom within expansive interior space surrounded by glass. www.bernardandre.com

Photo Credit @Rafael Santa Ana & Megan Paris-Griffiths

Residential home by Valle de Bravo Lake . México Construction: 2010 / 2012 Designer : Eduardo Hernández Ch. Photo:Yoshihiro Koitani

Peter Sellar, www.homedesign.com 44 Belvedere Residence. Windows, doors and curtain walls by Bigfoot Door. Designed by Guido Costantino.

Contemporary penthouse with stunning view. The conversation area of this living room sits on a custom raised platform covered in shag carpet, thusly, the view can be enjoyed from the seated position. Built-ins surrounded by windows wrap the corner area, which includes a bar, reclaimed wood shelves that slide out for display, and sculpture. Automated woven shades can filter light at the touch of a button. Missoni fabrics throughout, including the beautiful open weave drapery panels.

The main staircase Photo by Jack Thompson Photography

Martin Gardner, spacialimages.com

Teak Decor Lava Cubanit Perlmutt HG

A night view of the exterior. A steel grating "catwalk" extends off of the cantilevered master bedroom. Photo by Brian Mihealsick.