InBetween House by Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates

The InBetween House, designed by Tokyo based architecture firm Koji Tsutsui Architect & Associates, is a collection of small combined cottages built outside of Tokyo in the mountains. The clients wanted a simple & elegant retreat from their hectic city lives. The collection of 5 structures, each with its own purpose, are built with independent roof lines that bleed into each other, creating both intimate interior spaces & covered “exterior” passages.

The design intent of this construction method was to create an architectural language similar to that of the city, with separate buildings and alleyways, allowing a free-form arrangement so that each space is perfectly situated to its surrounding landscape.

— Via ArchDaily

The Shed by Richard Peters Associates

The Shed, by Sydney, Australia based Richard Peters Associates is a brand new renovation of a 1890 blacksmith’s shop. The beautiful open floor plan takes advantage of every nook of the space. Clean and simple details and materials are used throughout the building.

The building uses solar panels mounted on its roof for electricity, the floor plan has been optimized for ventilation, removing the need for cooling even during the hot summers.

Photographs: Justin Alexander

— Via Campsite

The Moses Bridge by RO&AD Architecten

The The Moses Bridge, by RO & AD Architecten, challenges our perception of what a bridge really is. The bridge, which leads across the moat at a 17th Century Dutch fort, actually goes down through the water to preserve the historic view of the fort. Pretty brilliant if you ask me. The project is a finalist in the 2011 Dutch Design Awards.

— Via The Fox is Black

Porch House Prefab by Lake|Flato

The Porch House modular prefab houses by San Antonio, Texas based architecture firm Lake|Flato, can be arranged and built to take advantage of views, breeze, solar orientation, and outdoor spaces. The modular system emphasizes creating outdoor “rooms” as extensions of the livable interior space. With costs ranging from $150 — $225 per built square foot and a move-in time of only 6 months on some models, these beautiful prefabs are perfect for any buyer.

The houses arrive pre-built at the lot with high-efficiency mechanical systems, water saving features, natural ventilation systems, operable doors and windows, low-energy materials, healthy building materials, day-lighting systems, energy-efficient lighting, and passive design and can even be configured for “net zero energy consumption.”

City Cottage by Verstas Architects

The City Cottage, by Helsinki based Verstas Architects, is a tiny little 150 sq. ft. cottage built in Helsinki just a short distance from the clients home. This little vacation home away from home proves that you don’t have to go far to find beauty in Helsinki.

This virtually zero-impact cottage is powered entirely by solar electricity. The house’s layout and intelligent use of space provide ample room for all the creature-comforts of a normal house into a tiny package.

— Via Campsite

The Roudy Residence by Miller Hull Partnership

The Roudy Residence, located in the San Jaun Islands off Washington State, by Seattle based architect firm Miller Hull Partnership is the perfect blend of modern and industrial aesthetics. The 10 acre site includes both rolling green fields and a 100 foot bluff that drops into the ocean below. The house runs parallel along the top of the bluff creating a wind break for the island side of the house which includes the gardens. The ocean side of the house is almost completely windows, providing stunning views of the surrounding islands.

The north/south portion of the house includes the the living areas (kitchen, living room, dining room), the entry porch and the garage, while the east/west portion of the house is used for private bedrooms & guest rooms. At the intersection of the two halves is a two story tower that includes the home owners art studio and office as well the solar hot water array which provides domestic hot water and passive hydronic floor heating for the house.

— Via Campsite

Y House by Fumiaso Architecture

The Y House by the Japanese architecture firm Fumiaso Architect & Associates is a brilliantly simple renovation of an existing 40 year old structure in Kobe, Japan. The new 62 square meter floor plan transformed the old structure, which had very little natural light, into a wide open, bright living space.

A third story loft with a small deck was added by rising one end of the roof. All the spaces were left as open as possible and they substituted transparent materials where possible to keep the natural light moving throughout.

All images © Kenta Hasegawa

— Via DesignBoom

Mayen à Eison residence by Personeni Raffaele Schärer

The Mayen à Eison, a refurbished Swiss alps cabin residence by Lausanne based architects Personeni Raffaele Schärer, sits 1850m above the Val d’Herens in Switzerland. This rustic looking cabin is ultra modern once you step inside. A concrete floor radiates heat while solar panels provide electricity and hot water.

The interior finishes are all simple, clean and minimal, while large insulated windows provide breath-taking views of the surrounding mountain sides.

— Via Campsite

Pine Forest Cabin by Balance Associates

The Pine Forest Cabin, by Seattle WA based architects Balance Associates, is nestled in the hillside in Winthrop, Washington. This 850 square foot cabin is cradled by two concrete walls that look as if they are holding the house out over the hillside.

The living room, kitchen and dining room are all extended by a large cantilevered deck that looks out over the surrounding mountains & valleys. Both the interior and the exterior are clad in beautifully treated 4′x 8′ plywood, creating consistency between in and out as well as keeping the overall cost down.

— Via Wanken

WaitBook, Rethinking the Waiting Room by FuelFor

Rethinking The Waiting Room is a holistic case study, by Barcelona based design studio FuelFor, looking at ways they can enhance the waiting room experience for patients in healthcare. The final designs incorporate signage and wayfinding, industrial design, as well as graphic design and print elements and a smartphone portal for all the relevant information. The information is all wrapped up in a bound book published & sold through Blurb.

“Modu” is a modular furniture system that is adaptable to a wide range of needs & spaces and includes spaces for wheelchair accessible sitting. “Tableau” is a modular table and counters space that works in conjunction with “Modu” and includes spaces to hold documents from “Folio,” the color coded system of documents that includes patient notes, doctor notes, prescription information, as well as a building map and wayfinding guide for the hospital.

“Inline” is the smartphone portal to all the information included in “Folio” and provides real-time updates to waiting time, healthcare tips and notes, as well as access their medical records. “Counter Act” a free standing counter that includes a public announcements board, tips for healthy living, or any other relevant information to the patients. The final piece of the system is “HealthPoint,” a guideline for  architects to include certain parts in the healthcare environment.

— Via DesignBoom