Objects collected over the couple’s travels are displayed across the book-lined shelves.
“We wanted something cozy with nooks, where you can be aware of what’s going on elsewhere,” says Isabel of the floor-to-ceiling shelving units. “They separate the environment, and cut the light a bit, but you can still see what’s happening in other spaces,” adds Matías.
Casa Flecha is accessed via an open-air “tunnel” that cuts into the center of the home. The tunnel also leads to a small office, which is not accessible via the interior to create a physical division between work and play.
“Our objective was always to have a luminous house,” explains homeowner Isabel Pinto of the choice to have a window cover the entire north-facing wall.
The redesign lifted the roof plane to increase the height of what had been merely seven-foot-high ceilings.
Set into the underlying wood frame, the Luna’s insulation is specialized for metal siding and helps to avoid overtaxing the dual ductless mini split unit provided with the home.
To Claire Thomas, it was a perfect time capsule with wood-clad walls, a hidden bar, room dividers, and a chrome-edged streamlined kitchen.
Exposed beams stretch across the main level, connecting the living areas and kitchen.
“It’s a small house, next to a castle, built to protect whoever is inside,” says Nicolás Boullosa.
A Catalan-American family’s vacation home pays homage to its 200-year history and the rugged charm of brick, cinderblocks, and OSB.
“As much as it’s practical, it’s also a very good-looking thing: a sculpture piece. I call it the jewel on the side,” says Noguera of the unique skylight here.
Jonathan Tuckey doesn’t so much whisper to old buildings as listen to them. Known for his innovative updates to historic homes, the British architectural designer was the obvious choice when his friends Al and Francesca Breach decided to bring new life to Nossenhaus, a centuries-old stone-and-timber structure they’d bought in the Swiss village of Andermatt.
“I take great pride in showcasing original artworks in the guesthouse,” says Diana. “Most of the artists I represent either live in or have strong ties to Maine.” The primary bedroom features shibori linen pillows Diana hand-dyed and an oil painting by Peter Bodnar III hanging above the bed.
Solar panels line the roof to soak up the Australian sun. The home doesn’t use any gas—the cooktop is induction, and heating and hot water come from a heat pump.
Upstairs, the primary bathroom presents a sanctuary adorned with Crema Marfil marble, a Restoration Hardware vanity, and brass hardware."
Original details can be found throughout, including the stone-clad walls and exposed beams awaiting on the lower level.
"The effect of the plantings on the terrace is enormous,” reflects the couple. “Not only do the branches and formations give a sense of the four seasons, but the way it looks from the living room contributes to a sense of calmness. It gives the illusion that we are viewing art."
The Kitayama cedar rafter ceiling reflects a naturalist approach to modern Japanese architecture—as do the home’s Takenoko dining chairs, designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP.
The gallery includes a built-in bookcase painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hay, which complements the white oak flooring. A sculptural light, chosen in white to match the ceiling and walls, adds visual interests.
In the family room, which connects the addition with the original house, Janusz opted for a vaulted ceiling. "To transition from the single-story space, we used a change in volume relative to the new flat ceilings.
After: The soaring new living and dining space benefits from an abundance of natural light from every side, and they spent a lot of time trying to find the best lighting for the kitchen. The final choice: long, narrow copper pendants from Denmark suspended by ultra thin wires to not disrupt the visual flow of the room.
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