Designed by Pb Elemental Architecture this private residence in Seattle’s Capitol Hill District exhibits an exercise in urban in-fill design with a project that consists of over 1600 sf of space including a one car garage plus on site parking and green space. Extensive store-front windows facing the street add a voyeuristic element to the home, giving away intimate views of the master suite and living room floors. Exposed cedar beams on the ceiling and steel-supported stair treads can be seen as well. From the moment I saw this great example of contemporary design I wondered how much would a house like this cost, and for those of you who are curious this house is called 12th + JOHN RESIDENCE and is available for $912k here. - Via

A few months ago I’ve presented an interesting way to add a room to your apartment. Some people said that this is a crazy idea, but others found it interesting. Today I would like to present an interesting extension to a house located in the city of Hertfordshire north of London, England. In this project ( Harpenden House ) made by Crawford Partnership, the existing house was significantly extended adding an extension to the side in the style of the original building, a new basement level below ground and to the rear, a dramatic glass extension. The glass extension is an all-glass structure using toughened glass beams connected to glass fin columns. Even the doors have been constructed to be frameless using spider hinge joints to hand them off the glass wall panels. The “glass box” ties together newly created open plan living spaces within the existing house and the new side extension whilst also providing a huge new living/dining are integrating with the garden beyond. - Via

The 700 Palms Residence was designed and completed in 2003 by Steven Ehrlich, and is located in Venice, Los Angeles, California. The house expresses a counterpoint between a sense of harmony and tranquility with flowing, dynamic spaces. Flexibility and transformation are fully realized through the use of wood-and-steel frame structure, enclosed and shielded for privacy by a roll-down scrim hung on a skeletal steel frame. By maximizing volume, light and privacy on a narrow lot with sensitivity to scale and context, the design presents raw, honest materials appropriate to the grittiness of the Venice environment. The house dissolves the barriers between indoors and out, creating flexible spaces that take advantage of the benign climate. As sustainability was a major concern, the design integrates concrete flooring to absorb the sun’s warmth in the winter, operable windows and large sliding doors to facilitate natural ventilation and low-maintenance recycled materials.

This amazing house located in Morelos, Mexico is called “Casa Aquino” and it was designed by Augusto Fernandez Mas (K+A Diseño). Architect Augusto Fernandez Mas’ emphasis on wood and stone helps blend the house in with its natural surroundings. This single-family residence is located on a steeped lot in front of federal government lands and aside a river; it entailed a series of building and environmental restrictions. The sloped terrain made retaining walls necessary, as well as a drainage system to channel large amounts of rainwater. The house is configured by orthogonal shapes and materials such as wood, stone and metal without artificial claddings. It stands with no protagonism against the rich and abundant surroundings. Finally the most beautiful part of the house is the small pool of stone and its red cedar surrounding pavement that stands as the most intimate space concealed between the house and one of the perimeter retaining walls. - Via

The stunning contemporary residence at 848 Southampton Drive is located in Palo Alto and is a 4,700 square foot house with 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms and 2 half-baths arranged over three levels. The stunning modern architecture comes with an equally stunning price of $5,850,000. Elegantly orchestrating light and dark, clean lines and rich natural materials, this extraordinary contemporary home provides an open and uncluttered environment that remains warm and eminently inviting. The sleek facade is a work of art in itself, showcasing stark horizontal lines, vast expanses of glass, a striking 17-foot stone wall, richly stained cedar slat siding, and beautiful zinc overhangs. In conclusion this amazing house is just perfect, I would love to have it is like a piece of heaven. - Via