Imagine waking up to the gentle rustling of leaves, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that seem to merge seamlessly with your living space. These architectural marvels blend harmoniously with their surroundings, offering a glimpse into a world where modern living and the natural environment coexist in perfect harmony. Join us as we delve into these exceptional dwellings that redefine the concept of sustainable living and showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet.
1. Doolittle House, Joshua Tree, California
Source: Elizabeth Daniels
Kendrick Bangs Kellogg worked as an apprentice under Frank Lloyd Wright and later designed the Doolittle House in Joshua Tree for artist Bev Doolittle and her husband, Jay. Due to the challenging terrain, the construction of the house took almost 20 years to complete. Despite its UFO-like appearance, the Doolittle House has been praised for its unexpectedly warm and cozy ambiance, particularly from the inside.
2. O67 House, Mallorca, Spain
Source: Mauricio Fuertes
Designed by Spanish firm Osvaldo Luppi Architects, is situated on a hill with stunning views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Majorca, Spain. The house features unique nineteen-foot hammered walls, which serve to create a covered outdoor patio area. This design element fosters a strong connection between the residence and the surrounding natural environment, allowing the residents to fully embrace the beauty of the landscape.
3. Sheats-Goldstein Residence, Los Angeles, California
Source: Elizabeth Daniels
Carved into an L.A. hillside, it was designed in the 1960s during the height of U.S. modernist design. Prioritizing the views of the valley, the home was designed from the inside out. Lautner preserved the natural forest setting by creating a cave-like exterior covered in glass, allowing the house to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
4. House Inside a Rock, Hegra, Saudi Arabia
Source: Amey Kandalgaonkar
Designer Amey Kandalgaonkar found inspiration in the rock-cut tomb architecture of Mada'in Salih, Saudi Arabia, leading to the creation of the House Inside a Rock in the Saudi Arabian desert. To complement the visual complexity of the rocks, Kandalgaonkar opted for simplicity in shape and composition, utilizing 3D software and employing straightforward planes and cubes for visual balance. The house's design minimizes its visual impact at eye level, with the true extent of the intervention only revealed from a bird's-eye view.
5. Maralah, Calgary, Canada
Source: LAAV Architects
LAAV Architects designed Maralah, a stunning isolation cabin paying homage to both Frank Lloyd Wright and John Lautner, using raw concrete, glass, and black steel. This delicate structure is ingeniously nestled within a rocky cliff while simultaneously cantilevering off its edge. The 145-square-foot house boasts a captivating bedroom with a direct view of the azure-hued Bow River below. Maralah's exterior appears as a perfect square, yet certain angles create an illusion of harmonious ruggedness, blending seamlessly with the cliff. The sloped and partially covered roof further enhances its integration with the natural environment.
6. Jungle House, São Paulo, Brazil
Source: Courtesy of mk27
Studio MK27's Jungle House, situated on the Paulista shore, is enveloped by lush jungle vegetation. The architects opted to elevate the main volume of the home to seamlessly integrate it with the site's topography, creating a harmonious union with the surrounding landscape. The roof of the house features vegetation, a pool, and a deck, contributing to its ability to blend effortlessly into the environment.
In conclusion, these stunning homes built into nature showcase the brilliance of architecture in harmony with the environment. From treehouses to cliffside marvels, they exemplify sustainable living and remind us of our responsibility to preserve and cherish the natural world. Let them inspire a future where eco-friendly design and the beauty of nature coexist harmoniously, creating extraordinary and sustainable living spaces.