Futuristic Home in Karuizawa, Japan by Artechnic Architects

With the profile of a shell and an aerial view of some ultra-modern space craft, the futuristic Shell House by Japanese architecture firm Artechnic is totally out of this world. Located in the forest of Karuizawa, Japan, this one-of-a-kind design boasts the cross-section of a seashell, with its double-elliptical shapes and curves. Supported by concrete and wood, the home surrounding decks are as artful as this modern house design itself. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views into the contemporary cave-like interior featuring soft, sandy textures and an organic structure that flows continually from ceiling to wall to floor. Circular skylights throughout this modern home enhance its architectural interest while flooding the dark corners with bright, natural light. Artechnic.
Photo credit: Nacasa & Partners Inc

Whimsical House – Nautilus House in Mexico City

This wonderful, whimsical house design in Mexico City is bringing the life aquatic into architecture. The modern Nautilus House designed by architect Javier Senosiain of Arquitectura Organica is wonderful to look at, walk through and enjoy for what it is – a blend of modern architecture and contemporary art. The Nautilus House falls under the architect’s “organic works” category, inspired by the sea and taking on the twisting and turning form of the Nautilus shell. The sculptural whimsical house features a striking entry cut into a wall of colorful stained glass. From the outside, it’s enough to draw you in; while inside it casts multi-colored spots of light onto walls. But surprisingly, that’s still not the most unusual feature of the house. This interior “grass carpet” is just amazing, leading residents and guests through a network of stone paths to the various areas of the home. The bathroom is simply amazing. In it, you actually feel like you’re under water with the sandy walls, gorgeous blue tiles and the window overhead. This cool home comes together using “ferrocement constructio,” which involves a frame of steel-reinforced chicken wire covered in a two-inch layer of composite of concrete. Not only is the result beautiful, it’s also earthquake-proof and maintenance-free. Arquitectura Organica
via Dvice via Space Invading

Small Concrete House in California is Small but Sweet

Public Architects has done a lot with a little in their design of this small concrete house. What Baltazar House lacks in square footage, it makes up for in innovation and style. This concrete house in La Jolla, California extends into the outdoors, making the most of the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean through glass-enclosed upper level. Supporting the glass walls is a concrete base; a simple support punctuated by minimal details apart from some windows. On the rooftop patio of this glass and steel home, breathtaking vistas stretch as far as the eye can see. This small house was named Best New House of the Year by San Diego Home & Gardens Magazine February 2008. Public Architects
via DigsDigs

Circular Concrete Home Plan

Circular Concrete Home Plan

Designed by Toyo Ito & Associates, this concrete home in Marbella, Chile makes for a marvelous weekend retreat. Named for its unusual floor plan and crisp, stand-out color, this contemporary home dubbed "White O House" takes the form of a huge O, with a central circular courtyard at its heart. This modern concrete home plan spirals its way around a central garden. This cool courtyard house design offers outdoor entertaining areas with privacy, overlooked by sliding-glass-walled interior rooms. A large living area leads into a dining room, connecting to the courtyard. The continuous circular floor plan leads up to the bedrooms and bathrooms, which offer complete privacy on the second level. Toyo Ito & Associates
via Arch Daily