Located atop a magnificent hill in Ghouma, in the Batroun region of Lebanon, the project by architects Walid Ghantous and Patrick Mezher of BLANKPAGE Architects ingeniously combines two houses within a single structure overlooking a verdant valley and offering panoramic sea views. Designed as a “balcony-belvedere”, the binomial residence is a pure jewel in the heart of nature.

Two beautiful residences, one for the client, the other for his parents, united in a single setting nestled on a high hill in Ghouma, in the Batroun region, such is the magnificently executed project led by architects Walid Ghantous and Patrick Mezher of BLANKPAGE Architects. To reduce the impact of excavation and retaining walls on such a steep site, two floors were built projecting from the cliff. The more solid lower level houses the bedrooms of both houses, separated by a Japanese-style meditation room with a raised wooden platform surrounded by greenery on three levels. The living areas and open kitchens enjoy uninterrupted views over the vast landscape. By sliding the aluminum windows, these spaces open onto the outside, reinforcing the impression of living on a balcony. A reception area with infinity pool conceals the sunken parking area and provides a ramp to the main house. The pool terrace is also connected by a bridge to the villa’s roof, which serves as an additional outdoor living area. The base of the building is composed of an inner shell of exposed concrete and an outer shell of corrugated concrete, giving it a mineral effect and serving as a backdrop for the rosemary bushes growing in the planters. The concrete and steel upper level features a profiled wing-shaped roof clad in white composite materials. Powered by solar panels, the dwellings are completely self-sufficient in sunny weather, providing a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature in all seasons.

Brazilian architecture studio Tetro has designed a home that blends harmoniously into its surroundings on the island of Florianópolis, located on Brazil’s southern coast, where nature spreads out exuberantly, mainly through the sea and mountains. This 1,000 m² house is an architectural expression that goes beyond practicality, while delicately respecting the landscape.

In the picturesque village of Cacupé in Florianópolis, Brazil, stands a marvellous home designed by Tetro Arquitetura. Completed in 2024, it perfectly integrates the built form with the natural environment, drawing inspiration from the region’s distinctive geographical and cultural elements. Two main beams rise from the ground, supported by a pair of pillars, providing a solid framework around which the living areas are organized. This structural clarity encourages fluid circulation between interior and exterior areas, reinforcing the link with the surrounding landscape. One of the main features of the building is its treatment of solar incidence. The use of generous steel eaves introduces a visual rhythm that echoes the perforated sheeting of the Hercílio Luz bridge. These eaves are both a functional and aesthetic response to the local climate, highlighting a sophisticated blend of form and function. The west-facing orientation has been meticulously planned to offer panoramic views of the sea and the mountains of the Serra Catarinense. This attractive alignment gives residents the joy of enjoying a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day. One of the most striking aspects of the villa is its fusion with the natural setting. The lower floor features a swimming pool that seems to float above the rooms below, extending out towards the sea and forming a visual continuity with the horizon. The landscaping, created by Jardim e Cia and Terraço Paisagismo, complements the architectural vision by blending the built environment with native vegetation. The choice of materials and the quality of craftsmanship are evident throughout the property. From windows and sliding glass doors by Lohn Esquadrias to siding and finishes by Cosentino, every detail has been carefully considered to transcend the home’s aesthetic and functional qualities. Local materials and craftsmanship, including woodwork by Bontempo and marble by MG Superfícies, reflect a strong commitment to sustainability and regional craftsmanship.

The King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) metro station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), is the centerpiece of Riyadh’s metro network, which inaugurated its first lines on Sunday December 1, 2024. Located in the heart of the Saudi capital, this ultramodern station with its corrugated lattice façade is the key interchange for the world’s longest driverless mass transit system, stretching over 176 kilometers across 6 lines and 85 stops.

The Riyadh Metro is a large-scale initiative launched by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh (RCRC) with the aim of relieving traffic congestion, shortening journey times and, consequently, improving the population’s quality of life. With a daily capacity of 3.6 million passengers, the project will reduce car travel and promote sustainable transport. The blue, yellow and purple lines (lines 1, 4 and 6) will serve the city’s main districts, business centers and cultural sites. The network’s hub is the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) station, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which connects the district’s terminus with King Khalid International Airport, and provides access to the KAFD monorail flyover. The six railway platforms, spread over four levels, are connected to bus services and park-and-ride facilities to create a multimodal transport hub, as well as public spaces for the financial district. Fluidity, a fundamental principle of ZHA’s philosophy, required predictive modeling of rail, car and pedestrian traffic flows. The exterior of the power station is clad in ultra-high-performance concrete panels, which the architects geometrically perforated to limit solar gain. The façade, a reinterpretation of traditional regional architecture, echoes the natural forms shaped by the desert winds. The station’s exterior cladding joins its internal structure, supporting both platforms and viaducts. Sliding door panels retain fresh air, while a cooling system, powered by renewable energy sources, adapts to passenger numbers throughout the day. These features have earned the line building Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.

Located in the countryside of Baião, Portugal, and designed by FCC Arquitectura, Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness is a wellness retreat surrounded by vast vineyards and lush forest. Housed in an 18^th century granite manor house, the main structure comprises a chapel, hall, several rooms, kitchen with traditional fireplace and bedrooms. Other adjacent buildings have been converted into accommodation.

Founded by architects Fernando Coelho and Ana Loureiro, FCC Arquitectura unveils a series of luxury cabins for Lavandeira Douro Nature & Wellness, a hospitality project in northern Portugal that combines nature, wellness and local gastronomy. These accommodations appear futuristic at first glance, although they preserve the rustic essence through thermo-treated ash cladding, resulting in a minimalist interior with large glass facades. Located near the banks of the Douro River, close to the famous Ancede wine region, the group of cabins is inspired by traditional pastoral transhumance settlements, known as brandas in Portuguese. Given the severe footprint and height restrictions, the design is open-plan, with pine-clad living spaces facing two side bedrooms with natural black slate bathrooms. Originally a modest renovation project, it became a forty-six-room complex. The spa offers everything you’d expect from a five-star hotel: heated pool, hydromassage, sauna, Turkish bath and gym. Named after one of the farm’s horses, the Elmo restaurant is housed in converted stables. Here, Fernando Coelho has preserved the structure of the former agricultural warehouse, while interior designer Paulo Lobo has redesigned the interiors, spilling out onto a large terrace with panoramic views over the vineyards. The regional cuisine of native chef Paulo Magalhães prevails over the salad bar’s organic menu, all complemented by the estate’s own wines and olive oil.

Modernizing the main building of the Wybrzeze Theatre in Gdansk, Poland, was a challenging but deeply rewarding task for Warsztat Architektury Pracownia Autorska (WAPA). Led by architect Krzysztof Kozlowski, the project embarked on a journey to revitalize a historic theater firmly embedded in the urban fabric.

Poland’s Wybrzeze Theater in Gdansk is a building with a rich history which, after years of use, had lost its qualities in terms of safety, comfort and aesthetics and was in need of modernization. The main objective for Warsztat Architektury Pracownia Autorska was to create a contemporary facility with an auditorium guaranteeing visibility and acoustics, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to maximize performance, while preserving the building’s original function without compromising its architectural form. The first step was to create a multifunctional space, combining a modern stage with advanced features such as two-storey trapdoor elevators and a rotating section. The entrance area and lobby are carefully designed, allowing spectators to meet and immerse themselves in the historic ambience of the city. With the unwavering support of the investor, creative and functional elements are integrated. A key aspect of the design philosophy is the juxtaposition of vibrant colors and materials in the lobby with the sober elegance of the auditorium. Despite the richness of artistic expression, the overall design has remained austere, prioritizing a large space for theatrical performances. In addition, the roof has been transformed into a terrace providing a unique venue for events with panoramic views over Gdansk’s Old Town. The completion of the project marks not only the revitalization of the theater, but also the culmination of a creative journey to serve artists and audiences alike. By blending modern architectural innovations with a deep respect for history and culture, the main building of the Wybrzeze Theatre bears witness to the enduring power of art in the heart of the metropolis.

In the seaside town of Chonburi, Thailand, the Harudot café, imagined by IDIN Architects, presents itself as a vast sculptural form defined by two blackened wooden gabled roofs, rounded openings and glimpses of nature. The result of a collaboration between Nana Coffee Roasters and an owner with a passion for unique exotic plants, the space is named after the Japanese words “Haru” (Spring) referring to new beginnings and growth, and “Dot” symbolizing a starting point.

Located in the seaside town of Chonburi, Thailand, and christened Harudot, this unique-looking café, designed by local studio IDIN Architects, is formed by two gabled roofs, separated and punctuated by voids allowing trees to pierce the sky while creating semi-outdoor areas for gathering. In addition, these vast openings ensure a dynamic and continuous connection with nature despite the enclosed walls, welcoming both rain and sunlight. Inside, in contrast to the dark exterior, curved Barrisol ceilings echo natural rhythms, while warm wood finishes and diffused lighting create a warm ambience. The concept revolves around the notion of growth, illustrated by the deliberate inclusion of trees. A bottle tree, in particular the baobab, takes center stage in an interior courtyard. The building is divided into smaller masses, establishing distinct zones such as the bar, coffee area, lounge, meeting room and toilets. Inspired by the coffee brand’s links with Japanese culture, the exterior resonates with simplicity and attention to detail, and three black gable shapes, a nod to Japanese aesthetics, emerge in subtle contrast to the pinewood interiors. As customers cross the threshold, the space transforms and bends into curves, guiding them on a dynamic journey through the café. In transition to the interior, Barrisol stretch ceilings mimic the voids of the courtyard, visually linking the two spaces into a coherent whole and diffusing soft light. The ribbon-like seating arrangement surrounds the café in a continuous flow, disrupted only by the different counter heights alluding to the various functions and uses of the space. The exterior resin seats are infused with coffee grounds, rice and leaves, and the graphic elements, including fonts and signage, are inspired by the motifs of the spring season. In addition, the terrazzo floor features circular separations, interspersed with guide quotes. A whimsical touch also appears in the form of flower petal motifs radiating outwards as if they had fallen from existing trees.

Planted in the heart of the Korean city of Incheon, this magical residence resembles a yacht moored on land. Designed by the architectural firm IROJE KHM, it’s a living embodiment of family life in Korea, with picturesque seascapes to match.

Created by architectural firm IROJE KHM, the property, located in Incheon, Korea, is a surrealist design representing a sailboat ready to sail into the open sea. To build its structure, concrete frames are used, with exterior finishes in fluorinated paint. This architectural marvel testifies to the dream of a nomadic urban lifestyle, while immersing oneself in the infinite blue of the horizon. Indeed, the incorporation of water as the main element harmoniously blends the boundaries between land and sea. In a modern society where reunions between family members are increasingly rare, a large public living space has been created to enable owners to connect as they move around the individual rooms. With its outdoor terraces and observation decks, the residence invites residents to savor the panoramic beauty of the Incheon Sea and even smell the sea’s scents, to fully enjoy this existence close to the coast. More than just a dwelling, it’s a metaphorical sailboat with concave curves specific to traditional Korean architecture, where residents will slowly but surely sail towards an unpredictable future of calm and happy destiny, continually keeping an eye on an unobstructed view of the sea.

He puts his passion for beauty and his fascination for design, honed by a wealth of professional experience, at the service of his customers, to create original, sustainable spaces in tune with their aspirations. His name is Gilbert Ziadé, founder and managing director of BUS Architects. A talented architect who likes to sign avant-garde projects.

In the tranquil forests of Repino near St. Petersburg, Russia, lies a remarkable architectural feat: a 280 m² house, designed by the international firm Kerimov Architects, for a couple seeking solace from the hustle and bustle of the city. This residence is a harmonious blend of modern design and natural beauty.

Repino, formerly known as Kuokkala, was part of the Finnish municipality of Terijoki. The designers at Kerimov Architects drew inspiration from this historical context, incorporating elements of traditional Finnish architecture and picturesque Karelian landscapes. One of the most striking aspects of the building is its thoughtful integration into the site’s topography. The building is set back to align itself with the panorama, an option that also meets a functional objective of ensuring that water, in the event of heavy rain and snowmelt, does not run off onto the terraces. In this project, the design team opted for natural materials such as stone, wood and metal. The single-storey structure blends perfectly into its surroundings, not only thanks to its well-thought-out architecture, but also to the panoramic windows that forge an inseparable link between inside and outside, and to the rhythmic articulation of the façade that balances the vertical lines of the surrounding pine trees. The interior is as meticulously designed as its exterior and includes a spacious living room, large dining room, fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, home office and several bathrooms. A guest bedroom is also included, designed specifically for the owners’ grandchildren. The home has a garage for one car, adding a touch of convenience to this serene residence. Particular attention has also been paid to the design of the two terraces. The first is slightly recessed and covered, offering protection from rain and direct sunlight, while the second is more compact and open, ideal for sunbathing. Both areas offer unobstructed, peaceful views of the forest, making them ideal places for relaxation and contemplation.

Based in the Netherlands and known for its innovative designs, Nomadic Resorts’ Atelier Nomadic has conceived the stilt restaurant and bar, Yakitori. Located in the North Malé atoll of Kaafu, in the Maldives, this unique dining experience pays homage to the mystical stories of sea creatures that have captivated the human imagination for centuries.

Located above the water in the North Malé Atoll in Kaafu, Maldives, the Yakitori restaurant and bar is designed by Nomadic Resorts’ Atelier Nomadic, who reorganized the existing jetty structure of the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort, creating a new panoramic dining experience. Inspired by the pink stingrays that roam the adjacent lagoon, the naturally ventilated bioclimatic construction features a saltwater infinity pool and catamaran nets on stilts where guests can relax while admiring the sunsets. With a roof made entirely of bamboo by Asali Bali, Yakitori is composed of a series of hyperbolic paraboloid roof columns and trusses, reflecting the endoskeleton of the Mobulidae family of stingrays. Its design is further amplified by the dramatic Maldivian landscape projecting a captivating reflection in the mirror-like lagoon, with its shingled tail curling downwards. Named Madi Hiyaa, the building is also inspired by the Dhivehi language, where Madi symbolizes the ray and Hiyaa the shelter, in homage to the graceful rays that migrate across the Indian Ocean. Principal architect Olav Bruin opts for bamboo as the primary building material, proving its potential as a renewable resource and effective carbon sink. Dendrocalamus Asper bamboo forms the main composition, while the smaller Gigantochloa Apus fills the grid. The elegant interior features a bar and service blocks clad in black Gigantochloa Atroviolacea bamboo, contrasting subtly with pale bamboo columns and wooden decks. This graceful design reflects the rhythmic patterns of ocean waves, creating a sensory dining experience. Madi Hiyaa joins the esteemed family of stingray-inspired structures developed by Nomadic Resorts, demonstrating their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable architecture. From the Pacific coast of Mexico to the Gulf of Siam, these bamboo stingrays testify to the harmonious coexistence of innovative design and environmental responsibility.