Elemental Elegance: 8 Remote Homes Extruding from the Landscape

Reinterpreting vernacular shelters and rural cabins, these secluded homes search for simplicity through craft, perspective and orientation.

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How can the spaces we live within respect their context? As dense urbanization increasingly draws populations together and creates new living conditions, the desire to reconnect to the natural world becomes progressively stronger. As such, contemporary architects have begun creating new residential spaces for relaxation and connection to the outdoors. These modern retreats serve as havens, hideaways and serene sanctuaries for decompression and dwelling. Reinterpreting vernacular shelters and rural cabins, these secluded homes search for simplicity through craft, perspective and orientation.

Exploring the powerful relationships that rural homes create in nature, we’re bringing together the following projects across four continents. Drawn from Phaidon’s book, Elemental Living, the designs are formed in concert with the natural world. Raising environmental and spatial awareness, the projects create unparalleled views, integrate with their surroundings and are made from materials found in the natural landscape. Whether embracing the ocean’s infinite horizon or the grandeur of towering mountains, each residence frames experiences. Collectively, they represent design approaches that merge with and intensify the character of place.

The Riparian House by Architecture BRIO, Karjat, India

Sited at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this house looks out to the Irshalgad hill fortress and river landscape. Built with a vegetated roof that merges with its surroundings, the residence includes a sky courtyard and stone boulder walls.

Pound Ridge House by KieranTimberlake, Pound Ridge, N.Y., United States

This metallic retreat was designed as a “house in the woods,” a place to feel the presence of the surrounding forest. The project was created on its boulder-strewn ridge site, carefully sited within steeply sloped glacial terrain. Three shifting volumes were snugly placed between the rock enclosures and were clad with a silvery façade that reflects its context.

The Pierre by Olson Kundig, San Juan Island, Wash., United States

The Pierre house was made as a retreat securely positioned within the landscape. Nestled into a rock, the house seemingly disappears into its context depending on which angle it’s viewed from. The simple design uses the rock itself as an aggregate to form the house’s walls.

Fogo Island Artist Studios by Saunders Architecture, Newfoundland, Canada

Sited on an island in the North Atlantic, these artist studios were designed to respect a dramatic landscape and local culture. Created with three buildings housing six total studios, the project features bold geometry that lightly touches the natural environment. Elevated to provide views to the sea, the buildings were oriented so that occupants could observe the area’s changing seasons while the structure itself weathers over time.

Aloniby Deca Architecture, Antiparos, Greece

A house that responds to domestication and topography, Aloni situates itself at the bottom of two hills. Earth-retaining stone walls create an artificial landscape on the roof of the villa, while also protecting the house from the elements. Courtyards are carved into the house and merge with the surrounding landscape, creating a flow between interior and exterior space.

House on a Stream by Architecture BRIO, Mumbai, India

House on a Stream was designed as a retreat in Alibag. Carefully placed upon the landscape, the design opens up to its surroundings while resting atop a stream. The project was made as two parts separated by a bridge. The two areas reach out into the landscape to capture views and embrace the site’s natural elements.

BHM by PK Arkitektar, Brekkuskógur, South, Iceland

PK Arkitektar’s BHM project overlooks Lake Laugarvatn as a semi-rural architecture built to blend in with its context. Repurposing excavated and extracted landscape, the design takes the form of a wooden construction inspired by vernacular Icelandic turf houses.

Stamp House by Charles Wright Architects, Queensland, Australia

The Stamp House project was designed as an off-grid residence on the edge of a rainforest. Embracing the surrounding native wetland environment, the house rests above an engineered water ecosystem through a combination of in-situ and precast concrete.

To see more inspiring homes surrounded by nature, check out Phaidon’s book, Elemental Living.

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Author: Eric Baldwin

Based in New York City, Eric was trained in both architecture and communications. As Director of Communications at Sasaki, he has a background spanning media, academia, and practice. He's deeply committed to trying as many restaurants as possible in NYC.

Elemental Elegance: 8 Remote Homes Extruding from the Landscape

Reinterpreting vernacular shelters and rural cabins, these secluded homes search for simplicity through craft, perspective and orientation.

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