Mountain Retreat Heavily Rendered Stone by Fearon Hay Architects

The mountain retreat is a small structure which is situated high above the ground and facing shores of Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. Its design is inspired by beautiful landscape views around. Floor-to-ceiling insulated windows in steel frames and roof terrace are things that enhance the ability to see picture-like mountains. The exterior of the building uses the heavily rendered stone to express a cubic form and integrate it into surround landscape.

A main sleeping space opens over the living space and is serviced by a centrally located bathroom. Heating set within the insulated floor slab provides additional comfort when required in the extremes of winter. The house gets the filtered water from a nearby mountain stream. Bottled gas is one of the main energy sources, although there is also electrical power provided. [Fearon Hay Architects]

Contemporary House Built With Minimum Landscape Impact – Johanna House

The Johanna House is designed by Nicholas Burns on the 100 acres site of pristine bush land located on Johanna beach, Victoria, Australia. No trees were cleared in the construction of the house so it has minimum impact on the surround environment. The house made of glass, steel, concrete and rammed earth and has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Big glass sliding wall doors help to connect indoors and outdoors all around the house and capture stunning views of the ocean and the bush’s flora and fauna. The most amazing feature of house’s interior design is the impressive fireplace that is placed in the centre of the living area. Nicholas Burns associates describe their creation as “a discrete insertion into the landscape”, and it really is.