© David O. Marlow

Screened porch with exterior fireplace

Randall Perry

Photography by Chris Little

Whangapoua Beach House on the Coromandel Peninsula

Attempting to capture a Hill Country view, this contemporary house surrounds a cluster of trees in a generous courtyard. Water elements, photovoltaics, lighting controls, and ‘smart home’ features are essential components of this high-tech, yet warm and inviting home. Published: Bathroom Trends, Volume 30, Number 1 Austin Home, Winter 2012 Photo Credit: Coles Hairston

View of rear of house from terrace. Cathy Schwabe, AIA. Photograph by David Wakely.

marta hansen

Front facade David Peabody

Photography: Peter A. Sellar / www.photoklik.com

Gregg Hadley

Set in Montana's tranquil Shields River Valley, the Shilo Ranch Compound is a collection of structures that were specifically built on a relatively smaller scale, to maximize efficiency. The main house has two bedrooms, a living area, dining and kitchen, bath and adjacent greenhouse, while two guest homes within the compound can sleep a total of 12 friends and family. There's also a common gathering hall, for dinners, games, and time together. The overall feel here is of sophisticated simplicity, with plaster walls, concrete and wood floors, and weathered boards for exteriors. The placement of each building was considered closely when envisioning how people would move through the property, based on anticipated needs and interests. Sustainability and consumption was also taken into consideration, as evidenced by the photovoltaic panels on roof of the garage, and the capability to shut down any of the compound's buildings when not in use.

A Dillard-Jones Builders design – this custom mountain home was inspired by Southern Living Magazine and the North Georgia Mountains. Its elegant-rustic design flows throughout the entire home. Photographer: Fred Rollison Photography

photo bruce damonte

California native plant drought tolerant landscape with dry set stonework.

Lakelyn exterior