Eco-Friendly Mountain Cabin on Wildcat Ridge in Aspen - extreme design

Perilously perched at an elevation of 9,200 ft. in Aspen, Colorado, this mountain cabin design is extreme in every respect, from its location to its views and its look, both inside and out. According to Voorsanger Architects PC, this contemporary cabin design responds to its natural surroundings in three ways – the unique folded roof; an expansive rock wall the divides east wing and west; and the seemingly infinite glass walls that provide for panoramic views without any interruptions, or distractions. With a length of 200 ft., this rustic-looking cabin stretches along Wildcat Ridge, with the mountain peaks rising just outside the windows. This home takes on a distinctly “mountain chalet” persona, only on a much grander scale that what one might expect. The warm woods and rugged rock of the surrounding environment make their way into the house. But the Earth does more than just influence this home’s look and feel, it also powers the house through 60 renewable geothermal wells that heat the driveway, pool and home, independently of other power sources. Voorsanger Architects PC.

Mountain Home Design in Switzerland mimics the mountains

Talk about a slanted view of modern architecture! Nunatak Architectes have designed this unusual mountain home in Switzerland - Zufferey House - from a totally different perspective – one that is not necessarily about “futuristic” design, but innovation in the way the traditional house is perceived. Inspired by the mountain on which it’s built, this cool, slanted structure appears as though it’s sinking into the earth, or rising from it, depending on how you look at it! The sloping walls and roof of this block-shaped home are painted grey to further mimic the stone of the mountains. A modern, minimalist interior incorporates a sleek, contemporary kitchen and large windows and natural wood finishes. Nunatak Architectes
via Digs Digs

Contemporary Mountain Home in Brazil by architect Ulisses Morato - extreme contrasts!

Oddly enough, this ultra-modern mountain home was designed and built using traditional techniques, by Brazil’s Morato Arquitetura. This contemporary mountain home employs time-honored methods and local materials with traditional, manual construction, and uses strong Portuguese colonial architecture influences. Built on three levels, the unique layout allows for a graceful yet functional use of the steeply sloping site. But you can’t complain about this particular site – ideally situated on a hilltop in Minas Gerais, Brazil, embraced by a vast valley and majestic mountain range, the house is too influenced by its surroundings. “The place chosen for the house was determined by the generous native landscape in the surroundings,” says architect Ulisses Morato – the man behind this amazing house design. “In this context, space definition privileged the possibilities of relationship of house users with the exuberant natural landscape. As for the relation of house-nature, we decided for the contrast, i.e. the radicalization of a geometric and rational design in opposition to natural organic shapes. Therefore, the ‘natural order’ and ‘cultural order’ are mutually distinguished and valued.” This modern mountain home was awarded the 10th Architecture Award promoted by IAB-MG (Instituto dos Arquitetos do Brasil – Minas Gerais) 2008, in the single houses category. Morato Arquitetura.
photo credit: Daniel Mansur

Bangaluru House Design with Amazing Exterior Walls and Courtyard

Set on a corner within a dense urban centre in Bangalore, India, this modern home by Indian architecture firm Cadence says so much, without screaming. Dubbed Out of the Box, a simple cube style and a white facade could be described as unassuming, if not for the unusual perforations which adorn the house, and the contemporary staircase that leads up to the entrance. Traditionally known in India as “jali walls,” apart from adding architectural interest these perforated walls also serve to passively cool and ventilate the house. The leaf-motif holes within these concrete exterior walls cast whimsical spots of sunlight onto an indoor courtyard. Typical courtyard home plans put this outdoor/indoor space at the center of the home, but in this innovative architectural design it is moved to the northwest corner at the front of the house. Surprises await at every turn in this stunning, modern home. From the courtyard, floor-to-ceiling glass doors welcome residents and their guests into a comfortable yet contemporary home. Cadence
via Arch Daily
photo credit: Clare Arnie