Contemporary Urban Refuge: the Skygarden House in Toronto

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Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Dubbeldam Architecture + Design completed the development of the Skygarden House, a contemporary residence located in midtown Toronto, Canada. The three-level home hides between the trees on the site and offers plenty of outdoor spaces for work and relaxation.

The architects remodeled a century-old building on the site, turning it into a contemporary refuge. Colorful and fresh, the interiors of the Skygarden House feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to flood the spaces. The highlight of the property is an open-air roof deck, which extends the public areas of the residence.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

“Although the new house is only 2,420 square feet, it feels much larger — its rooms expand beyond the interior of the house to a series of highly usable outdoor spaces that enrich the domestic experience, each with its own unique character and varying level of privacy,” the architects said.

“The rear yard is landscaped and features a generously scaled thermally-treated ash wood deck. A few steps down is another zone, defined by granite pavers and planted with a row of honey locust trees that offer dappled light and shade in summer. Even the existing porch at the front of the house is an extension of the indoor living space, remade into a private outdoor dining room enclosed by a five-foot-high wood screen, extending the private realm into the public arena.” All the photos and information in this article provided by Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

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Image courtesy of Dubbeldam Architecture + Design.

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Beachfront Home in Mexico Offers a Tropical Escape


Studio MAIN OFFICE designed Casa LT, a modern beachfront home in Mexico. It stands on the beachfront of the idyllic village of Sayulita, an area known for surfing getaways and mountain biking.

“Carefully integrating architecture and the tranquil tropical landscape, CASA LT has been imagined around the living palm and almond trees, plantains and ferns that join the site’s topography in playing a key role in ensuring a clear view to the waterfront from all its spaces, both internal and external,” the architects said. The residence blends smoothly into the steep topography and also offers mesmerizing views over the Pacific Ocean.The project actually restores an existing residential complex on the site. “Composed of three small houses situated on the top of the hill, the original complex built in the 50’s was in poor condition due to humidity problems and lack of maintenance,” explain the designers.

“MAIN OFFICE initially focused on the renovation and preservation of the original essence, and then on the design of a new main building and a guest house facing the beach on the lower part of the property,” they also add.

The single-family house features a kitchen with large floor-to-ceiling windows. An open living and dining area connects to the infinity pool.  An en-suite bedroom also includes a beautiful terrace with ocean views. Photos and information courtesy of MAIN OFFICE architecture studio.

Explore the dazzling design of this Mexican beachfront home
beachfront home

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Australian Residence Displays a Coastal Design

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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Six-Bedroom Residence in Canada Opens Up to Gorgeous Views


The Vallée du Parc Residence is a reinterpretation of the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. The six-bedroom residence’s ground-floor plan sits in close relationship with the surroundings. Located in Mauricie, Québec region, Canada, the project opens up to the neighboring valley. This is because of its numerous terraces.

“From a distance, the eye is attracted by the complex angular roof that establishes a geometrical reciprocity with the surrounding hills,” the team from Chevalier Morales Architectes explained. “The perceived horizontality of the house is created by the extensive program – six bedrooms, two family rooms, four bathrooms, and three garage spaces – mainly located on one single ground floor,” they also said.

A series of terraces surround the house and bring it closer to nature. The openings also invite plenty of natural light inside. All of the interiors are minimalist, so that attention can focus on the magic outdoors.

“Covered with dark-tinted, rough wood planks of various depths, the exterior walls were designed to offer a dynamic and unique texture defined by the ever-changing natural light throughout the day and the seasons,” the designers also added. “Through its original geometry, textural richness, and spatial connection with its surroundings, the Vallée du Parc Residence initiates an architectural conversation within a delicate natural environment.” Information and photography courtesy of Chevalier Morales Architectes

Take a look at the six-bedroom residence’s breathtaking views

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