GRAPHĒ

It’s Adults Only in the Yakisugi Half of This Australian Home

An entry with a green overhang joins two volumes: a white gabled one for the whole family, and a black one that’s off limits to the kids.

Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Have one to share? Post it here.

Project Details:

Location: Ivanhoe East, Victoria, Australia

Architect: Albert Mo Architects / @treblamo

Footprint: 3,015 square feet

Builder: Block Constructions

Structural and Civil Engineer: R. Bliem & Associates

Landscape Design: Mud Office

Landscape Construction: Mode Landscape Construction

Furniture: Melissa Vukadin

Lighting Design: Ambience Lighting

From the Architect: "Boulevard House is a complete new build born from the need to reconnect a growing family with their environment. While the previous dwelling felt isolated from its sloping site, this design embraces the ‘borrowed landscape’ of an adjacent public golf course. By removing the traditional rear barrier, the vast greenery becomes a literal extension of the backyard, serving as both a daily playground for three children and an expansive setting for social gatherings.

"The home’s organization centers on two distinct pavilions: a double-story white ‘tree house’ and a single-story black volume. The white pavilion uses an archetypal gable form to evoke a child’s drawing and honor the site’s original roofline. Its defining feature is a handcrafted white brick screen, created by manually drilling 2,000 bricks to house post-tensioned rods. This screen acts as a light modulator, casting shifting shadows that transform the interior into a sanctuary of delightful phenomena and refuge.

"In contrast, the black volume is a seductive, modernist retreat for the adults. Utilizing yakisugi and slim black bricks, the dark materiality recedes to force the viewer’s gaze toward the vibrant landscape. Because the back faces south, the architecture employs stepped rooflines and a central fern courtyard to capture essential northern light. This biophilic move ensures that nature is felt deep within the master suite, linking the interior to the surrounding vegetation.

"The transition across the sloping site is handled with subtle internal steps, guiding the body through the circulation spine without feeling like an intentional device. This flow is mirrored by terraced landscaping that brings flora down to the natural level of a nearby golf course. Ultimately, the interplay of light on the charred walls and the axial views of matured gum trees blurs the boundary between architecture and nature."

See the full story on Dwell.com: It’s Adults Only in the Yakisugi Half of This Australian Home

Ozzy Osbourne, Phish, and Jeff Buckley All Visited This $1.5M Woodstock Compound

Once home to Bearsville Records, the property comes with a a pool, a plum orchard, a guesthouse, and a storied place in music history.

Once home to Bearsville Records, this property comes with a a pool, a plum orchard, a guesthouse, and a storied place in music history.

Location: 1 Wittenberg Road Woodstock, New York

Price: $1,495,000

Year Built: 1873

Renovation Date: Late 1960s

Footprint: 2,566 square feet (3 bedrooms, 3 baths)

Lot Size: 3.78 Acres

From the Agent: "Welcome to Bearsville Record House, a landmark property with a legacy in American music. Built in 1873 and once home to Bearsville Records, this storied compound includes two dwellings—the main farmhouse and a guest cottage—plus a studio building waiting to be finished to your specs. A pool, outdoor kitchen, and fenced-in orchard complete the grounds, all along 500 feet of private Saw Kill creek frontage. The main house retains its 19th-century character with a vaulted living room with wood stove and a chef’s kitchen with a dramatic woodburning hearth and radiant-heated bluestone floors. The guest cottage features a walk-in shower and kitchenette, and the studio adds creative flexibility. Steps from Cub Market and Bearsville Theater, and just two miles from Woodstock, this is a one-of-a-kind Catskills cultural retreat."

When home to Bearsville Records, the property saw the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Todd Rundgren, Meat Loaf, R.E.M., Jeff Buckley, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and more.

See the full story on Dwell.com: Ozzy Osbourne, Phish, and Jeff Buckley All Visited This $1.5M Woodstock Compound
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Here Are the Homes Developers Are Building in Altadena

A year after the Eaton Fire, public permits—and at least one completed home asking $1.9 million—are bringing into view how corporations are reshaping the Los Angeles community.

The debris had barely stopped smoldering before the bidding began. After the Eaton Fire leveled more than 6,000 residential buildings in Altadena in January of 2025, home developers began making offers on burned lots, many of which had belonged to families for generations. As a significant shift of land ownership to corporations began taking place, one looming question was, what’s going to get built? Months later, the answer is no longer theoretical. It’s visible in public permit records and new construction.

A review of publicly available filings shows that 25 of the 59 corporate-purchased properties identified in Dwell’s original reporting on Altadena-area land sales in July are now actively moving through the rebuild process. (Between Altadena and Pacific Palisades, corporations have now purchased 44.6 percent of fire-damaged properties, about twice the national average of corporate homeowners. ) At least one newly constructed home has already hit the market. Together, these projects offer a perspective on how post-disaster housing is taking shape in a neighborhood once known for its historical architecture and deep-rooted families. More importantly, they hint at who may be able to return to Altadena once rebuilding is complete: will it be longtime residents—many still in rentals, navigating insurance claims and uncertainty—or an entirely new community?

Of the corporations that moved swiftly after the fires to buy lots, three currently dominate the permits: Ocean Development, an L.A.-based builder; NP Altadena I, LLC, operated by San Diego–based New Pointe Communities Inc.; and Black Lion Properties, LLC, a newer, more experimental player with ties to the neighborhood. Each is rebuilding differently with its own strategy for market-rate housing, regardless of who may be able to afford it.

Three builders, three strategies

Ocean Development holds among the largest share of active permits, and its apparent strategy to create "Like-for-Like" homes is the least surprising, given the City of L.A.’s expedited timeline for such projects that closely mirror what stood before.

Under the Eaton Fire rebuild framework, a "Like-for-Like" replacement can be approved without discretionary review by the city as long as the building footprint does not increase by more than 10 percent or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. In practical terms, that can shave months off a timeline. As a result, most of Ocean’s plans closely resemble what existed before the fire, at least on paper: single-family houses generally ranging from approximately 1,700 to 3,200 square feet, often with garages and modest patios.

539 Punahou Street is under construction by Ocean Development, an L.A.-based developer. — 539 Punahou Street is under construction by Ocean Development, an L.A.-based developer focusing on "Like-for-Like" rebuilds.

Photo: Yoonj Kim

But faster approvals don’t automatically translate to faster—or cheaper—construction. Permit data shows build estimates with an average cost of $469,750, with market value for homes at these sizes ranging from $1.375 million to $2.5 million. But it’s still too early to say what these homes will list at. A recent drive past their sites indicates that many have already broken ground, with a few appearing close to completion. Ocean Development has not responded to a request for comment.

NP Altadena’s approach also emphasizes speed, but does so by leveraging standardization. The developer created a standardized single-story plan to use across 15 lots, with minor site-specific adjustments such as front elevations in three distinct styles—craftsman, farmhouse, and Spanish/Santa Barbara. This strategy allows NP Altadena to build across several sites with a single review process.

See the full story on Dwell.com: Here Are the Homes Developers Are Building in Altadena
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Surrounded by Giant Boulders, an Architect’s Tennessee Cabin Seeks $1.6M

Don Wamp’s angular Rock House has been renovated from top to bottom—and it comes with forest views, a series of decks, and a seasonal creek.

Location: 314 Fairy Trail, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

Price: $1,575,000

Year Built: 1978

Architect: Don Wamp

Footprint: 3,913 square feet (4 bedrooms, 4 baths)

Lot Size: 0.67 Acres

From the Agent: "Rock House is positioned amongst beautiful natural boulders on a private, wooded lot. This midcentury-modern home sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the heart of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home was built by a renowned architect as his personal residence, and it has been meticulously updated while still remaining true to the architect’s vision. Recent improvements both inside and out include huge, custom Marvin windows that provide views to the boulders and lush setting from every room, a new roof, custom-milled cedar siding in many areas, a revitalized kitchen, and a new primary suite on the main level with two walk-in closets. Some additional special features include the steel pivot front door, multiple outdoor living areas, a seasonal backyard stream, and so much more."

Triangular windows follow the slope of living area’s angled ceiling.

Photo by William Griggs

See the full story on Dwell.com: Surrounded by Giant Boulders, an Architect’s Tennessee Cabin Seeks $1.6M
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A Curvy Blue Banquette Solves a Tiny Berlin Apartment’s Puzzling Shape

The seat turns a cramped nook in the 215-square-foot altbau flat into a window seat with verve.

Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Have one to share? Post it here.

Project Details:

Location: Berlin, Germany

Architect: Some Place Studio / @someplacestudio

Footprint: 215 square feet

Carpenter: Studio Tegel

Photographer: Daniel Faro / @daniellfaro

From the Architect: "This kitchen and bathroom renovation addresses spatial conditions typical of Berlin’s turn-of-the-century altbau apartments. Embracing idiosyncrasies such as odd angles and windowless rooms, the design works with the existing structure, using color, materials, and light to create a contemporary intervention within a historic structure.

"In the kitchen, what was once a narrow and cramped layout has been reorganized to make full use of its single window. A custom corner banquette in deep blue creates a cozy place to sit and socialize during cooking or informal meals. The cabinetry is built from gray Valchromat, with stainless steel countertops and front panels that set a sleek contrast to the upholstered corner. During construction, the removal of aged tiles unexpectedly revealed original Berlin parquet flooring, which was carefully restored and integrated into the new scheme. To further optimize the apartment’s limited space, the washing machine was relocated from the bathroom to the kitchen, allowing the bathroom to be redesigned more efficiently. A selection of vintage lamps all locally sourced from Berlin adds another layer of character and authenticity.

"The bathroom had previously felt tight and impractical, with little storage and no natural light. A recessed lighting panel was introduced to mimic daylight with adjustable brightness and tone. Surfaces in light-colored microcement unify the built-in niches, while a custom sink unit aligns precisely with the niche above. The mirror conceals additional recessed storage, making full use of the available depth. While the overall layout has largely remained the same, added storage, the daylight panel, and a new wall texture create the impression of a more generous space. This project is part of an ongoing series of renovations by Some Place Studio, where existing conditions are carefully integrated into a bold and contemporary design."

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Curvy Blue Banquette Solves a Tiny Berlin Apartment’s Puzzling Shape
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Where Neighbors Saw a Jumble of Blocks, They Saw Tetris Pieces With Potential

The new owners of this patchwork ’70s residence outside Warsaw loved its form so much, they actually spent more on saving it than replacing it.

Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. Have one to share? Post it here.

Project Details:

Location: Skubianka, Poland

Designer: SZCZ Jakub Szczesny / @szcz.art

Footprint: 1,744 square feet

Structural Engineer: Artur Wiśniewski

Photographer: Nate Cook / @natecookphotography

From the Designer: "The house is located near Warsaw, close to a river and surrounded by a gently sloping mixed forest. The owners bought it by accident when they met a real estate agent while walking their dog, who led them to a pyramid-like building hidden among the trees. It turned out to be an uninhabited residence. The building was constructed between 1976 and 1981 during a period of crisis and low availability of building materials. It was built from whatever could be obtained from construction sites and renovations of infrastructure facilities: for example, the ceilings were made of tram rails, which were laid at a slight slope above the ground floor as they pierced through the outer wall and became part of the terrace structure. Thanks to its slight slope, the terrace was naturally drained. At the same time, the floor in the living room behind the wall had a noticeable slope, and the wall was blackened by the cold and moisture penetrating through the rails. The original construction documentation consisted of a few pages with very sketchy drawings and a one-page description.

"I made it clear to the clients that renovating this house would likely be more expensive than building a new one, and certainly more labor-intensive. However, the owners wanted to keep the stepped shape of the building, were not afraid of low ceilings, and wanted to be in contact with the green surroundings. We introduced large glazing, specifically operable windows for ventilation and views. The clients decided not to have any railings on the top level. The house was to be used only by the mature couple and occasionally their two adult daughters. Initially, the building was to serve as a second home, but as the interior work progressed, the place was so relaxing that they were less inclined to return to their apartment in Warsaw. The owner is skilled with his hands, so with the help of friends, he built most of the furniture, made metalwork elements, and a door with a hydraulic lift.

"Our goal was to discreetly hide the home among the trees and create a contrast between the camouflaged exterior and the warmth of the eclectic interior. We proposed floor skylights in the terrace to illuminate one of the guest bedrooms and in the living room to illuminate the corridor on the ground floor. The building was to be as simple and subdued as possible. The windows were to attract attention, with additional wide steel frames and red accents in the interior. The house was designed to raise the level of the living area and enjoy a better view: above the low ground floor, where there are two guest bedrooms for the daughters, a study and a bathroom with a boiler room, there is a kitchen with a dining area and a living room with an additional toilet and a new terrace (the old one had to be dismantled). Above, there is the primary bedroom with a view of the forest and the river, a small bathroom, and two terraces.

"During the construction, the clients decided to change the original location of the garage and cover it with a green roof, which can be accessed from the higher part of the plot. According to the residents of the house, people in the area called it a ‘block’ and considered it ugly due to its rectangular shape and lack of at least a gable roof. However, it was precisely this set of shapes resembling figures from the game Tetris that attracted the current owners so much that they bought the house without hesitation and did not even think about replacing it with another one.

"The furniture is a hodgepodge of artifacts, ranging from old furnishings from the previous apartment to so-called ‘useful items,’ or objects that had been lying around indefinitely on shelves in the family's garage and basement. The owner claims that he still has many useful items in his new garage and that they are waiting for their turn when he builds a sauna."

See the full story on Dwell.com: Where Neighbors Saw a Jumble of Blocks, They Saw Tetris Pieces With Potential

Three Award-Winning Tree Houses Hit the Market in England Starting at £2M

Set in a Dorset woodland, the RIBA-recognized retreat is available fully furnished, with 13 acres and a pond.

Location: Woodland Workshop Yonder Hill, Holditch TA20 4NL, United Kingdom

Price: Offers accepted in excess of £2,000,000 (Approximately $2,735,510)

Year Built: 2016 and 2021

Designers: Guy Mallinson and Keith Brownlie

Footprint: 1,130 square feet (3 bedrooms, 3 baths)

Lot Size: 13.25 Acres

From the Agent: "After 15 years of creating our wonderful oasis and welcoming guests to our magical woodland, the time has come to pass it on. Mallinson’s Woodland Retreat is officially for sale! It’s a rare opportunity to take on a truly special place that blends design, craftsmanship, and nature in perfect harmony. Set in 13 acres of peaceful Dorset woodland and meadows, with three award-winning tree houses, the retreat is ready for someone new to write the next chapter. Whether you’re a couple dreaming of a lifestyle business, a hospitality brand looking to expand in the high-end eco space, a course provider looking for a venue, an investor seeking an income-generating asset, or a family wanting your own private escape, this opportunity offers something unique. Nestled in a breathtaking woodland setting, the retreat has been thoughtfully developed and nurtured over 15 years with sustainability and biodiversity at its heart."