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Shipping to your Door Soon: Alexa-Enabled Amazon Prefab Homes

February 5, 2019 by admin

Amazon is doubling down on the smart home space. They’ve set up the Alexa Fund to provide up to “$200 million in venture capital funding to fuel voice technology innovation.” And almost $7 million of this fund is going to Plant Prefab, a Southern California start up that builds sustainable prefabricated homes. It looks like you’ll be able to click and ship your very own quick and affordable Amazon prefab home soon.

But how does the prefabricated home fit in with the Alexa Fund’s directive of developing voice technology? Future Amazon prefab homes will feature the growing collection of Alexa voice tech and smart home innovation throughout the home’s floor plan.

The C6 Living Home in Van Nuys, California, is one of the prefab home styles that may be available through Amazon soon. All images: Plant Prefab

According to Paul Bernard, the director of the Alexa Fund, “There are now more than 20,000 Alexa-compatible smart home devices from 3,500 different brands,” he stated. “We’re thrilled to support Plant Prefab as they make sustainable, connected homes more accessible to customers and developers,” he said of the Amazon prefab homes.

Plant Prefab specializes in building modern, green homes designed for an urban environment. The startup claims that building the home in an offsite factory using new technology and automation can save half the construction time of a tradition build. And time equals money: their prefab houses use better quality materials and finishes for less time and cost.

A prefab home being delivered to the home site for final assembly.

A home can be ordered online from a selection of standard floor plans or a custom design. And according to Plant Prefab, the home delivers “90% complete and installed in a day.”

According to Plant Prefab’s founder Steve Glenn, “In the housing-crunched major cities like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, along with areas like Silicon Valley, it takes too much time to build a home from groundbreaking to occupancy.” It looks like future Amazon prefab homes will solve this headache.

Amazon hasn’t announced when you’ll be able to click and ship your dream smart home, but here’s a look at what prefab homes are currently available through Plant Prefab:

Yves Behar 1

Square Feet: 625 square feet
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bath

Soaring ceiling and lots of windows create a space that feels larger than 625 square feet.

Ray Kappe 1.1

Square Feet: 3100 square feet
Rooms: 5 bedroom, 3 baths

The 2-story modern features quality materials like steel and reclaimed wood.

An open floor plan allows for easy flow throughout the house.

C6.2

Square Feet: 1096 square feet
Rooms: 2 bedroom, 2 baths

The C6.2 model is compact enough to fit on a small, narrow lot.

Modern, high-end finishes are part of the prefab home’s design.

Kieran Timberlake KT1.5

Square Feet: 1622 square feet
Rooms: 2 bedroom, 2 baths

The exterior of the KT1.5 is contemporary and low-maintenance.

All spaces in the prefab home are large, airy and open.

What do you think of these modern prefabricated homes? Would you buy one through Amazon? Let us know in the comments.

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Australian Residence Displays a Coastal Design

January 30, 2019 by admin

coastal design

WA Country Builders completed the coastal design and development of The Geographe Bay, a residence in Dunsborough, Australia. From afar, the facade of the residence appears strikingly modern. It features elements like weatherboard, stone and brickwork, in order to ensure a laid-back visual appeal.

Step inside and you also discover a vibrant beach-inspired residence with eye-catching details. “The entry of the house is complete with high ceilings which provide a sense of openness that continues throughout the home,” the architects said. “Directly off the entry is the private master suite, that features a dressing room and en-suite.”“The large free form living area is located at the center of the home, creating easy accessibility from all sides,” they add. “It features an expansive kitchen, scullery and dining space. The media room and laundry are located alongside the free form living zone.”

A generously-sized terrace also offers opportunities for outdoor family entertainment. The architects additionally placed all three of the en-suite bedrooms at the back of the residence, away from any street noise. The overall layout carefully considers these details. This is in order to ensure a certain level of privacy alongside the breezy coastal design. Enjoy the virtual tour! Photography and information courtesy of WA Country Builders

Look inside the coastal design of this Australian home

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Sneaky Sustainability: 7 Ways to Design a More Efficient Home

January 29, 2019 by admin

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If you’re interested in building a more sustainable, eco-friendly home, you probably already know most of the basics: installing solar panels for power, opting for water-saving fixtures in the bathroom, you know the drill. But while that takes care of some of the biggest uses of power and water, you might be overlooking some of the smaller factors. Fixtures, solar panels and sustainable landscaping can definitely reduce your environmental impact, but the very design of your home could help you shrink that impact even more. Some of the smartest ways to increase sustainability might actually be the sum of a few small changes to your home’s design. Consider these sneaky sustainability hacks for a more energy efficient home.

A two-story home is often more energy efficient. Image: Omni Customs

1. Size Matters

It’s no secret that a smaller home is typically more energy efficient than a larger one. But it might not be just the size of the home, but how you use it. Consider two homes of the same square footage: one is 2,000 square feet on one level and the other is two levels, with 1,000 square feet on each. Which is the more efficient home? Stacking your square footage is almost always more energy efficient than a sprawling space, which costs more to heat and power.

Think about how much space you need and how it can be configured for energy savings. If you can get everything you want in a smaller, more compact footprint, it’ll be more sustainable in the long run.

2. Think Passive

Your mother-in-law might be passive aggressive, but an energy efficient home should be just plain passive. Passive design means creating a home that can basically take care of itself. When your home is designed so that it takes in the most sunlight during the winter, you can spend less on heating. The same home can offer shades to draw against hot summer sun, or windows that are situated for a cool breeze. Think of the ways you can decrease your home’s energy expenditure simply by where it sits on your lot or its layout.

Think about shade trees to keep your home cool. Image: 186 Lighting Design

3. Smart Landscaping

When talking about landscaping for sustainability, you’re usually referring to plants and grass that naturally do well in your home’s climate. It’s definitely a great way to save money on water and energy, but you can also use landscaping for even more sneaky sustainability. Simply plantings trees so they provide your home with natural shade and coverage helps you save on energy costs. Choose a leafy deciduous for hotter climates and you won’t need to crank up your A/C. Just make sure you plant trees where they’ll block sun in the summer, yet allow the sun to keep your home warmer in the winter.

4. Reclaim and Recycle

Building a home isn’t always the most eco-friendly way to procure a place to live. Even if you’re designing for a sustainable space, having new materials manufactured and delivered to your building lot requires a lot of energy. Thinking about how you source various materials can help you lessen the environmental burden. Choosing materials that are recycled or reclaimed from other projects reduces your environmental impact while giving every inch of your home more character. You can check with local builders, scour online classifieds and even check out demo projects to see if you can find solid materials with life left in them. If not, choose materials created from recycled goods whenever your contractors offer the option. Your environmental footprint will thank you for it.

Opt for natural light whenever possible. Image: Art of Architecture

5. Let in the Light

Indoor lighting can definitely drain you when it comes to energy costs. Besides a hefty electric bill, you’re also left with the burden of buying and swapping out bulbs. Instead, ask your architect to design your home for optimal natural lighting. It’s not just a question of installing windows, but utilizing your home’s orientation to make sure you get more light without sacrificing heating or cooling.

You can also sneak in sustainability by opting for LED fixtures and bulbs. Don’t worry about sacrificing ambiance: new-school LED bulbs can cast a natural, warm light. They’ll be more expensive up front but last much longer than traditional bulbs. What’s more, they’re cheaper to use because they consume less electricity.

6. Home Automation

Making your home a smart home can seem like an unnecessary expense. If your goal is a more efficient space, however, you might want to rethink technology’s role. Home automation puts some of your home’s energy-wasting processes on autopilot. The result? A more efficient home that adjusts itself when necessary. A smart thermostat can adjust the temperature based on when you spend time at home. Smart blinds can close themselves to block out hot sun in the middle of the day. Home automation isn’t just about convenience. It can create a space that is hyper-efficient and easy on your wallet.

Utilize organization for smaller, smarter spaces. Image: Tim Moss

7. Organization Solutions

An organized home means everything has a place. And when everything has a place, you can use less space storing your stuff. Smart organization solutions allow you to reduce the size of your home and storage space so you make less of an environmental impact. Whether it’s installing outlets in some of your most-used cupboards and drawers or building shelves into tight corners, think about organization from a sustainability point of view. Shelving, cabinets, attic spaces and closets can be retooled so they take up less room and store more stuff for a more efficient home.

When designing a more sustainable home, it’s important to think about how you’ll live in the space. Solar panels and energy-efficient appliances are great, but day-to-day sustainability might come from a smaller master bedroom or better kitchen windows. By working with your architect, you can design a space that is beautiful, functional and energy efficient.

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An Inspiring Contemporary Cafe in a Former Automotive Warehouse

January 26, 2019 by admin

This Greater Goods Coffee Roasters contemporary cafe in Austin, Texas, was designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. The architecture studio took on the challenge of upgrading a 61,569 square-foot old automotive warehouse in East Austin. With connectivity in mind, they sought to make it ideal for public use. The result is an inspiring contemporary cafe, roastery and training facility. Composed of creative spaces, it encourages social interaction.

“We sought to preserve the existing steel structure and use the gabled profile of the trusses to vault the roof,” the architects said. “Translucent polycarbonate panels along the north wall and skylight allow for natural light to fill the coffee shop.”

A vibrant combination of materials and textures make up the interior. It invites guests to visually explore each nook of the contemporary cafe. The architects planned the layout in order to maximize the synergy between the functional areas.

“The design revolved around a central bar which allows patrons to experience any side of the café. By elevating and breaking up the bar into smaller volumes, it encourages interaction between the guests and baristas,” the architects added. “A gabled seating niche in the back is framed with a steel window for visibility into the roaster.” Information provided by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture; photography courtesy of Chase Daniel

A look inside this contemporary cafe

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What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A National Home?

January 26, 2019 by admin

The national home is one of the oldest architectural styles that originated in the United States, yet we still see these homes – and their descendant styles – being built today. If you’ve ever wondered what it is that made this style stand the test of time, you’ve come to the right place. This post will take a deeper look at national-style homes. Read on below to find out what this type of architecture is all about.

National-style homes date back to the first settlers. Image: Romakoma/Shutterstock

History of the national home

National homes are perhaps the earliest style of architecture to be born in North America. Early settlers mixed the structure of a traditional English home with some aspects of Native American design. The narrow profile of a national home, with steeply-angled roofing, is similar to teepee and lean-to construction and was better suited for withstanding harsh New England winters.

However, this style got its name because, with the advent of the railroad, it eventually spread beyond New England to all areas of the country. Each region was then able to put its own spin on the style. For example, Midwestern versions typically have two stories while Southern ones typically feature a large veranda.

It’s thought that national-style homes are the predecessor of many of the more common architectural styles that we see today, especially Colonial and Federal homes.

There are three subtypes of national homes. Image: Ppa/ Shutterstock

Types of national homes

With all that expansion, it’s only natural that there are a few distinct subtypes of national-style homes. We’ve listed the three most common below:

Hall-and-parlor house

The hall-and-parlor house is the earliest configuration of national homes. The homes were made up of two rooms, which stood side-by-side with a wall dividing them. The larger of the two rooms was the “hall,” or main living space. It took up about two-thirds of the house and was where the family spent most of their time. The remaining third was the “parlor,” or sleeping quarters. It was usually to the back of the house and a little more private.

I-house

The I-house is similar in construction to the hall-and-parlor house in that it is two rooms wide and one room deep. This time, however, the home is two stories tall. Additionally, in more modern versions, there is a separate rear wing for the kitchen. These homes received their name in the 1930s when Fred Kniffen, a cultural geographer, remarked that they were common in rural farm areas of Indiana, Illinois and Iowa – all states beginning with the letter I.

Massed house

The term “massed house” refers to national homes that are more than two rooms deep. This type of home also typically has a large gable on one side and a shed-roofed porch.

National style homes feature simple ornamentation. Image: Karen Culp/Shutterstock

Defining characteristics of the national home

Despite the differences in floorplans and regionality, there are some distinct characteristics that tie all national-style homes together. They are as follows:

Exterior

Narrow profile
Rectangular or square shape
Pyramid-shaped roof
Steeply-angled roof
Side gables
Simple ornamentation

Interior

One to two stories
Rectangular or square floorplan
Side-by-side room layout

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Garage Doors Aren’t Just for Garages Anymore

January 22, 2019 by admin

Both garages and garage doors have come a long way. Homeowners are deciding to turn their boring garages into showstoppers. And as garages become more stylish, it’s natural that garage doors would also evolve. But who knew that they would become so stylish that they’re now being used as design elements in other applications?

Should homeowners follow these trends or stick with more conservative uses for garage doors? Below are some of the cool ways that garage doors are being used, along with advice on implementing them from architects, realtors and the very people making some of these garage doors.

Glass Garage Doors and Windows

Glass garage doors on a lower-level cabana. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

As you can see from the photos above and below, Dan Nelson, AIA, Principal at Designs Northwest Architects, does quite a few projects with glass garage doors. “We have done projects where clients use glass overhead doors to open up rooms to the outdoors, and we’ve also installed a glass overhead door in our office that acts as a security door between the stairwell and our office,” Nelson tells Freshome.

Design Northwest Architects’ security door between their office and corridor. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

“Glass overhead doors are a very cost-effective way to open up large areas of a home to the outdoors, and they’re usually less expensive than a multi-slide door,” he explains.

This kitchen open up to a private outdoor space. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

How else can these glass garage doors be used? Rob Reyes at Glass Garage Doors & Entry Systems says his company has installed them in almost every room of the house. “We’ve installed them in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, family rooms, dens, pool houses, man caves and woman caves, and more.” Reyes says the company has also installed glass garage doors in restaurants, bars and other commercial spaces.

Dos and Don’ts

Glass garage doors help to bring the outside indoors. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

If you’re considering a glass garage door to liven up your home, these are some things you need to know. “If you use glass overhead doors between the interior and exterior, use insulated glass and make sure you have a good weather seal at the jamb and head of the door,” advises Reyes.

He also warns against going cheap. Understandably, most consumers are looking for the best price. “However, this comes at a huge cost to the end user in energy loss resulting from inflated cooling and heating bills,” Reyes explains.

Also, the cheap doors won’t pass building inspection if permits are pulled. “We’re finding that most people are not pulling permits to have these doors installed, and therefore are using an illegal door that leaks – but, of course, it is less expensive,” he says.

Trendy/Resale Value?

Ocean living doesn’t get better than this. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

These roll-up glass garage doors are definitely cool, but will they affect your home’s resale value? “Roll-up garage doors are still popular. However, I only see this feature in more expensive homes,” says Rick Gehrke, real estate agent with RE/MAX Executives in Boise, ID. “They can be huge selling points, especially if you have a view or live in a warm area,” he explains. Gehrke says these types of glass garage doors definitely increase the value of a home, and he believes they will continue to increase in popularity.

Matt Van Winkle, founder and CEO of RE/MAX Northwest, agrees. “If the space supports it, this is a very cool design and a way to create indoor/outdoor space.” Van Winkle says these doors are a great alternative to folding or sliding doors and appeal to buyers.

These doors are usually less expensive than sliding glass doors. Image courtesy of Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects

However, John Manning, managing broker at RE/MAX On Market in Seattle, WA, says it depends. “This style works best if integrated into the house design – more contemporary/industrial chic seems to look the best – and works with the garage or room usage.” If the garage door is just going to be used for cars, he recommends sticking with a standard door. “However, if the roll-up door is insulated and used as a clever wall replacement, it could be a nice feature giving an indoor living space some expansion outdoors.”

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What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A Bungalow Home?

January 19, 2019 by admin

If you’ve been paying attention to architectural trends lately, you know that bungalows are back in a big way. With that in mind, we thought it was the perfect addition to our What Classifies A House Style series. Keep reading to learn what makes this architectural style so unique and why the bungalow home has held a special place in our hearts for so many years.

Bungalows originated in Bengal, India. Image: M Valdes Architects PLLC

History of the bungalow home

The word “bungalow” derives from the Hindustani word “bangala,” meaning “belonging to Bengal.” Bungalow houses were first constructed in Bengal, India in the mid-nineteenth century. At the time, India was under British rule and the ambassadors who traveled there sought to design an informal, easily-constructed rest house to use during their visits.

Soon after, the style became popular in England and it was eventually brought over to America. Architect brothers Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene are credited as the most influential early practitioners of this style in the United States.

Together, they designed bungalows in Pasadena, California. Their designs were well received and were highlighted throughout the country through popular magazines like House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping. Soon enough, pattern books featuring bungalow designs and complete mail order house kits became widely available, allowing the bungalow style to spread quickly across the country.

Bungalows come in many shapes and sizes. Image: Bovender Team with Allen Tate Realty

Types of bungalow homes

Believe it or not, not all bungalows are created equal. The bungalow home comes in many different variations throughout the country. We’ve listed a few of the most popular styles below. Read them over to get an idea of the different types of bungalows that exist in today’s design landscape.

Craftsman bungalow

The term “Craftsman bungalow” is used to describe classic bungalows, no matter where they might be located. Traditionally, these homes feature street-facing gables with shingled roofs. Additionally, they’re often painted or stained brown or dark green to blend with nature. Finally, they’re most known for their wide, overhanging eaves

California bungalow

Since the California bungalow is very similar to the Craftsman, the two can be told apart by the materials used in their construction. California bungalow home exteriors typically use stucco, wood – especially redwood – shingle and horizontal siding but not brick. However, other bungalow subtypes do use brick.

Modern

Modern styles have curved corners to provide a sense of motion. Additionally, they may have portholes or bulkheads. They’re usually made of materials like concrete, glass and brick. Meanwhile, the interiors are typically light and airy with modern touches.

Tudor revival

Tudor revival bungalows have steeply-pitched roofs with large, elaborate chimneys. Additionally, they feature wall cladding, tall and narrow windows and decorative half-timbering.

Prairie style

Prairie style bungalows were developed by an especially creative group of Chicago architects known as the Prairie School. Frank Lloyd Wright was among the members. These homes have massive piers, used to support their porch roofs, as well as rows of casement windows, broad and flat chimneys and contrasting wall materials and trim.

See the list below for some of the defining characteristics of bungalows. Image: Carl Mattison Design

Characteristics of a bungalow home

Even though there are many different types of bungalows, the style still has a defined set of characteristics that ties them all together. To that end, we’ve taken the liberty of listing some of those bungalow home characteristics below:

Exterior

Balanced and well-proportioned, but not symmetrical, appearance from the front
A low, exposed roof, often with beams or rafters showing
A modest front porch or veranda
Square, tapered columns, sometimes called “bungalow columns”

Interior

Usually 1.5 stories
The front door opens to the main living space
An open floor plan that lacks a formal parlor or sitting room
Simple decorative accents
Plenty of built-ins as a means of decoration

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Shipping Container Homes: Cargotecture Pros and Cons

January 15, 2019 by admin

Shipping container homes might seem like a New Age option, but purchasing a DIY home isn’t as rare as you might think. In fact, Sears sold entire home kits to would-be homeowners in the early 1900s. Minimalist dwellings of the DIY variety might have a different appeal today, but the idea is the same: thinking outside of traditional construction can result in more affordable housing.

Shipping containers can be stacked for more space. Image: Yerigan Construction

This is especially true when talking about shipping container homes, or “cargotecture.” When shipping containers are re-purposed as the floor, walls and ceiling of a home, it reduces building costs. Still, there are some factors to think about before setting out to make a shipping container into home sweet home.

All About Cargotecture

“Cargotecture” refers to the practice of reusing shipping cargo containers to create dwellings. Because they’re made from strong metal and aluminum, shipping containers can form a nearly indestructible home. And, since they’re plentiful and cheap to buy, shipping containers can keep housing costs low. Although the homes built are far from ornate, the containers can create the basis for a sleek, modern abode that keeps costs low and limits environmental impact.

Cargo homes can be surprisingly cozy. Image: Les Collections Dubreuil

Shipping Container Homes: The Good

Shipping containers simplify the building process. With four strong walls already in place, you’re essentially fast-tracked to the design stage of your home. Here are some of the other benefits of using shipping containers:

They’re mobile. Without a foundation, there’s nothing holding a shipping container home down. They’re meant to be portable, which means you can ship and move them as you want. While you may need special equipment to get from point A to point B, shipping containers keep you mobile.
They’re custom designed. Even though they may seem simple, you can customize shipping containers to create the perfect layout for your home. Some owners even stack and splice several containers together so they aren’t limited by the size and shape of the initial space. Consulting a designer familiar with shipping container homes can help you decide on the size and layout of your home,
They’re easy to find. Shipping container homes are made from recycled shipping containers, which are easy to find. You can simply run a search for container brokers in your area or even find them on online classifieds. Just make sure to look for a container that is watertight and was never used to transport hazardous materials. You can find containers that have been very lightly used or never used at all.
They speak to a minimalist mindset. For homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact, cargotecture makes sense. Recycling the basic structure is inexpensive and keeps metal out of landfills. The size and shape of shipping containers also make for lower energy costs.

A cargo kitchen reduces energy costs. Image: Fredman Design

Shipping Container Homes: The Bad

Environmentally friendly and cheap? What’s not to love? Before you decide to build a DIY shipping container home, however, there are few things to consider:

Insulation and condensation. Typical building materials like wood, stone and composites are extensively tested for strength and integrity. Metal shipping containers aren’t designed for living space. This means you could run into issues like a lack of insulation, wind resistance and even condensation buildup. Working with a builder can help you choose and prep the right container for your weather and location.
Tricky building codes. Shipping containers are highly portable, but that doesn’t mean you can just plop one anywhere. Local building codes could limit the use of smaller homes or homes built with nontraditional materials. You’ll need to research your county and town building codes before deciding to go with cargotecture. What’s more, you may need to hire a driver with a truck license to move your shipping container from place to place.
Contractor concerns. When it comes to shipping containers, not all contractors are created equally. Most contractors are unfamiliar with cargotecture and may not know how to navigate the terrain when it comes to planning and building. Make sure you choose a builder who has worked with shipping containers before to ensure the process goes smoothly and stays on budget.

A shipping container home simplifies the design and build process. That can mean a faster road to a move-in ready home. Still, it’s a new frontier as far as building goes. Building with an unfamiliar material can make the process unpredictable, but with the right planning and design, a shipping container home can make sense for a new homeowner.

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Traditional House in Spain Incorporates a Contemporary Layout

January 12, 2019 by admin

The creative team behind Dom Arquitectura completed this House in la Cerdanya. An inspiring traditional house in Spain, it blends classic elements with contemporary living. The residence neighbors a beautiful natural park and takes advantage of the surrounding valley.

Faced with local building constraints, the developing team had to limit the design to local materials. “As a start, we decided to build the home with a wooden structure, facing the project from a bioclimatic strategy, to achieve an efficient and sustainable construction,” the architects explained. “The project included three different textures: the stone and the clay tiles as stated in the regulations and the timber as structural material,” they also said.

The L-shaped house is partially buried in the ground. Only the garage and main entrance are at street level. The site dictated this structure because of its steep slope. An open-plan living and dining area acts as the core of the traditional house in Spain. This also ensures expansive views of the surrounding area.

“The exterior wall draws a series of slopes and counter slopes providing the house with a singular geometry. The roofs of both wings create a continuous porch that surrounds the house and generates a wide lounge area in one of its end,” the architects added. “In the traditional rural architecture of the region,” they continued, “the houses where enclosed towards the exterior in a gesture of protection. This project aims to open up the living room, the garden and the views.” Information provided by Dom Arquitectura; photography courtesy of Jordi Anguera

Take in the views from this traditional house in Spain

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Residential Neighborhood in France Adds Wooden Terraces

January 10, 2019 by admin

Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés completed the design of a residential building complex in Romainville, France. Integrated wooden boxes used as terraces disrupt the linearity of the residential units. This also brings a much needed feeling of warmth to the new residential neighborhood.

“Fragmentation of built mass opens the way for a continuity with the surrounding context and the creation of visual perspectives, making this city block more porous and open,” the architects said. “This approach also alleviates the perception of density, resulting in quality apartments, with multiple orientations and limited direct views of the neighbors opposite,” they added.

Walking through the newly built paths, you get a sense of shifting perspectives. One can easily see how the playfulness of the surroundings. Hopefully, this will have a positive impact on future residents’ quality of life, as well as their comfort.

“Greenery also has an important role to play, slipping into the building’s interstices and colonizing the interior courtyards of the city block,” the architects said.

Also, according to the architects, “This domestic, vernacular aspect underscores the architectural plan through the treatment of the terraces, which are detached from the façades, served by wooden footbridges and can be imagined as tree houses.” We love the tree house look of these terraces. What do you think? Let us know in the comments if you’re also a fan. Information provided by Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés; photography courtesy of Sergio Grazia.