Barndominium

The house is clad in Siberian larch and has a standing-seam Galvalume roof. Landscape architect Karin Ursula used native plantings to help the land recover from construction. The gravel put down in lieu of new soil will gradually fill in with plants as leaves decompose and produce a layer of soil.

When Maria Ibañez de Sendadiano and Todd Rouhe decided to build a family retreat in a protected area of upstate New York, their goal was to maximize sustainability and minimize their impact on the land. The longhouse-style dwelling, erected on a raised platform between two seasonal streams, benefits from passive thermal strategies and is powered by solar energy.

“The clients requested we use ‘cirmolo,’ a local type of wood with a strong fragrance capable of spreading healthy aromas around the house,” say the architects. They used the timber, also known as Swiss pine, for accent walls and the majority of the custom furniture.

Large sliding glass doors provide a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors.

Serizzo white granite flooring features in the outdoor wraparound terraces.

Deep roof overhangs not only protect the interior from direct sunlight, but also provide privacy.

The black Richlite and walnut kitchen is one of Mongillo's favorite elements of the home. He says that kitchens often feel out of place—but this one is an architectural feature, with the island acting as another piece of furniture.

Continental Place

Hillside Sanctuary (Hoedemaker Pfeiffer)

East Lake House, designed by Robert Young Architects, features two structures to capture sunshine and breezes from all angles.

Sleeping Cabin at sunset.

Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects' created both public and private outdoor spaces in Chechaquo Cabin. A second-floor rear deck is propped up on the graded slope to host a secluded spot for a hot tub.

An upstairs reading nook behind sliding doors offers quiet and solitude in the open plan.

The staircase’s open treads and slim, cable railing avoid blocking sight lines outside. A modest material palette, including a concrete floor, wood cabinetry, and charcoal laminate counters, cedes to the views.

An open-tread stair keeps the relatively small space from feeling cluttered or closed off from the view at the entry and kitchen.

Bright orange paint trims glass doors set in the corrugated metal siding, providing a cheerful contrast.