Reaching out: 4 homes with a view

Interior spaces form a rich dialogue with their immediate environments in a raft of new vista-filled residential projects, where architects have also drawn on the very materials that surround their builds.

By studio razavi architecture, yh2 Architecture, Desai Chia and

January 8, 2018 | 11:00 pm CUT

In collaboration with Michigan-based Environment Architects (AOR), Desai Chia ensured the interiors of this lake house reflect the indigenous landscape, which once thrived with old-growth ash trees. Photo: Paul Warchol

If minimising environmental impact begins with a heightened awareness of our surroundings, then, given the urgency of climate change, we might start where we spend most of our time – at home. These recently completed residences prioritise living spaces with views of the surrounding landscape, reminders of not only the connection but also the responsibility we have to where we live.

La Colombière, Sutton, Canada, 2017, by YH2 Architecture. Photos: Loukas Yiacouvakis

La Colombière

Sutton, Canada

2017

YH2 Architecture

Repurposed from a lumberman’s shed, this forest retreat retains the former structure’s footprint and finds space in a vertical design. A large pentagonal perch on the third floor provides a loggia, from which one can gaze across the treetops.

Michigan Lake House, Leelanau County, USA, 2016, by Desai Chia. Photos: Paul Warchol

Michigan Lake House

Leelanau County, USA

2016

Desai Chia

Looking out across Lake Michigan, the living space of this eco-home features panelling and custom furniture made from the dying ash trees that were reclaimed on site.

House in Ohue, Kure, Japan, 2017, by Daisaku Hanamoto Architect & Associates. Photos: KENJI Masunaga

House in Ohue

Kure, Japan

2017

Daisaku Hanamoto Architect & Associates

This home, situated in a Japanese fishing village, offers intimate vistas of the nearby mountain ridge and even closer tiled gables of neighbouring homes, whose forms are echoed in the structure’s own roof.

Mountain House, Manigod, France, 2017, by Studio Razavi Architecture. Photos: Olivier-Martin Gambier

Mountain House

Manigod, France

2017

Studio Razavi Architecture

This contemporary chalet features full-height windows, punctuated by bold wooden mullions, which permit views of the untouched Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, while still complying with stringent local building codes.

Reaching out: 4 homes with a view

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