The United Kingdom’s Nicolas Tye Architects designed this amazing rustic barn to house conversion in a Bedfordshire village, with rolling hills covered by a blanket of forest as far as the eye can see. With a respect for these natural surroundings, the architect created a look that blends seamlessly with the outdoors while staying true to his own modern and elegant architectural vision. This warm and welcoming rustic style barn-conversion to house features 2,200 sq. ft. of living space, all wrapped in an amazing shell of wood barn board and glass. The unique farmhouse style is enclosed in frameless 3.2m-high glazed panels, bringing the wonderful vies into every room. Nature further makes its way into the glass wall house with the use of natural materials. “Harping back to the adjacent barn building’s history, the new studio utilizes cor-ten detailing, further enhancing the sense of place, reflecting the old and discarded agricultural machinery and steelwork,” according to the architect. To help keep the environment in tact, this barn house includes a number of sustainable technologies, making an eco house design with rainwater recycling, a wind turbine, low-energy lighting, organic paints and non-toxic chemical sealers. Nicolas Tye Architects
via Contemporist
photo credit: Nerida Howard

A winding maze of sculptural granite and glass, this modern zen house by Spanish architects A-cero makes a unique statement within its lush surroundings. Located in Pozuelo de Alarcon in Madrid, Spain, this futuristic home design features a facade of curved walls of stone dark granite and marble travertine, providing privacy as well as a dramatic welcome. A water feature flows from outside to the entry, creating a seamless transition to the interior environment. The house is situated on a slope, inclined toward a lake, allowing for an upper and a lower terrace for outdoor living and entertaining. Inside, the house is divided into upper and lower levels. An upstairs hall, lined with skylights, leads to the essence of luxury living – a spacious kitchen, wine vault, dining room, lounge and library; and continues deeper into the home’s private living spaces – the master bedroom, dressing area, bathroom, an indoor swimming pool and a gym. A set of stairs leads you downstairs to the lower level, where you’ll find the games room, home theater, kids’ and guests bedrooms, and a service area. Every room features glass walls, tinted for privacy and aesthetic interest. Adding to the home’s futuristic appeal, this high-tech zen design is computerized, putting computerized lighting, safety, blinds and air conditioning controls at the owners’ fingertips. A-cero Architects
via Contemporist
photo credit: Ferran Silva/A-cero