Is This the Most Luxurious Modernist Residence Ever Created?

Ström Architects aims to create an extraordinary collection of Superhouses in secret locations around the world for the superrich.

Sydney Franklin Sydney Franklin

Architects: Find the perfect materials for your next project through Architizer. Manufacturers: Sign up now to learn how you can get seen by the world’s top architecture firms.

From the luxury-inclined minds of Ström Architects comes a new brand ethos for the potential of contemporary residential architecture. Inspired by the design quality and workmanship of superyachts, the firm aims to create an extraordinary collection of Superhouses in secret locations around the world for the superrich.

These exquisite Modernist structures will be expansive pieces of architecture holistically designed for a lifestyle of leisure and beauty. According to the architects, when a Superhouse is commissioned, the investment is in the design of that lifestyle as well as the house itself. “Superhouses are to be the most beautiful, unique and design-led houses possible,” said the firm in a press release, “created through a very close working relationship with their owners.”

Each Superhouse will be set in a remote location, adding to the exclusivity of the lifestyle created for each client. Each home will be marked as a Superhouse only by a subtly engraved house number carved discretely into the façade.

Pictured here, Superhouse 00/30 — the first in a limited collection of just 30 — is positioned on a private bay on an undisclosed Mediterranean island. Clients access the house via a long, winding road that curves through a mountainous landscape, though the site can also be reached by helicopter. Visitors are greeted by a walled entrance courtyard fit for up to eight cars. The walls are made of local stone meant to mimic the sheltered, rocky bay the house overlooks.

The design features two L-shaped stone walls that define the ground-level spaces of the house, with a gleaming white concrete volume above. Contained within the stone walls are two distinct timber volumes, the first of which contains the kitchen, stores and staff accommodation. The kitchen and dining area are separated by sliding screens that can sink into the floor to open up the two spaces to create a single gathering place.

The second volume includes a gym and spa. Here, sliding screens also open up the spa and gym areas to the external spaces. The center of the structure features a double-height space with a circular sunken seating area and suspended fireplace. A spiral staircase connects this lower volume to the master suite and four junior suites above. The suites have perfect views of the Mediterranean via floor-to-ceiling windows.

Between the living quarters is a large art gallery space, library and office. The home’s basement includes a private movie theater, driving range and wine cellar.

The lower half of the house, specifically the entertaining room, connects seamlessly with an outdoor space that includes a massive deck and 50-meter [164-foot] infinity pool. All of this is just steps away from a private beach and long dock that can accommodate a yacht and tender.

The concept for Superhouse won a 2016 American Architecture Prize Silver Award in the Architectural Design/Residential Architecture category.

Research all your architectural materials through Architizer: Click here to sign up now. Are you a manufacturer looking to connect with architects? Click here.

All images via Superhouse.me

Read more articles by Sydney

29 Reasons You Should Date an Architect

As it turns out, your architect friend might just make for the perfect partner — or a great date, at the very least.

© Estudio A2arquitectos

Designing Negative Space: 6 Projects Presenting Punctuated Façades

A fenestration frenzy. These windows are meant to be looked at, not through.

+