GRAPHĒ

Sliding Window Shields Adjust Sunlight at This Scottish Country Home

The batten louvers temper heat for a new dual-gable extension that expands the residence.

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Project Details:

Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Architect: Moxon Architects / @moxonarchitects

Footprint: 1,185 square feet

Builder: Brudon Joinery

Structural Engineer: Graeme Craig Consulting Engineers

From the Architect: "Moxon Architects has completed an extension to a rural home near Sauchen in Aberdeenshire. The scheme is designed to enhance light, views, and connection to the surrounding agricultural landscape while significantly improving overall environmental performance. The project expands an existing high-performance house with a new living and dining space, office, a principal bedroom suite, and a new entry hallway. The newly created spaces are accommodated within two, single-story pitched-roof volumes, linked by a biodiverse green roof planted with native wildflowers, creating ecological continuity between old and new while strengthening the building’s relationship with the landscape. The resulting architectural composition recalls traditional farms, where the main house forms a tight cluster with a barn and other outbuildings.

"Generous glazing and carefully positioned roof lights align with key points of arrival and movement through the house, drawing daylight deep into the plan and framing long views across the surrounding fields. Beyond providing additional accommodation, the extension unlocks the existing plan, establishing uninterrupted lines of sight through the house and enhancing clarity of movement and space. Built-in storage and window seats complement the light-filled interior and offer the residents practicality and comfort.

"A cost-effective cladding strategy repurposes angled battens, typically used as support, reducing material processing while introducing subtle variation across the façade. Sliding external louvres, informed by nearby farm structures, provide solar shading to the large windows and help prevent overheating without compromising openness or views. A slate roof and galvanized trough-style gutters offer further contemporary reinterpretation of local building traditions.

"From the outset, performance and sustainability have been central to the project, which has been designed to Passive House standards, and which has raised the home’s EPC rating from B to A. High levels of insulation, triple-glazed south-facing windows, louvers, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and other services are integrated seamlessly into the architecture and work together to maximize comfort and minimize energy demand. Material selection prioritized low embodied carbon and local procurement, with the timber kit, doors, and bespoke plywood furniture fabricated within 10 miles of the site, supporting regional manufacturing and reducing transport emissions."

See the full story on Dwell.com: Sliding Window Shields Adjust Sunlight at This Scottish Country Home
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Camp Is in Session at This $1.9M Michigan Getaway

With a triple bunk bed, a pool, and patio seating for 10, this home near Lake Michigan is basically built for long summer days.

The home is a 10-minute walk from the local beach, and comes with a gunite pool in the backyard.

Location: 13892 Rea Avenue, Harbert, Michigan

Price: $1,895,000

Year Built: 2022

Architect: UrbanLab Architects

Footprint: 3,000 Square Feet (4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms)

Lot Size: 0.49 Acres

From the Agent: "Designed by UrbanLab Architects, the four-bedroom, four-bath home is centered around a private courtyard oasis featuring a gunite pool, eight-person hot tub, firepit, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Large windows and oversize sliding doors flood the home with natural light while framing views from nearly every room. The living area is anchored by a kitchen with custom terrazzo counters, premium appliances, and a large island with bar seating. A dining area with seating for 10 and a comfortable lounge open directly to the courtyard. Built-ins, radiant heated concrete floors, custom lighting, and a sleek gas fireplace complete the space. The thoughtfully designed multiwing layout offers exceptional privacy, with four en suite bedrooms positioned to overlook the courtyard. A custom-built triple bunk room adds a fun and functional touch. A den with expansive windows offers a perfect space for work, relaxation, or games. Additional amenities include a three-sided screened porch with second fireplace, outdoor shower, barbecue grill, Tesla charger, spacious lawn, and mature landscaping. Technical amenities include zoned radiant heating throughout, additional three-zone cooling, and on-demand water heating."

With a triple bunk bed, a pool, and patio seating for 10, this home near Lake Michigan is basically built for long summer days.
Photo by Erin Watson

See the full story on Dwell.com: Camp Is in Session at This $1.9M Michigan Getaway
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This $1.2M Oregon Retreat Is Part Homestead, Part Tuscan Villa

Set beyond a gated drive, the 35-acre property has a pool, a barn, and an apple orchard, plus a backstory featuring cows, friars, and an owner-builder with a thing for arches.

Location: 57255 North Bank Rd, McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Price: $1,195,000

Year Built: 1978

Last Renovated: 2020

Footprint: 2,913 Square Feet (4 Beds, 2.5 Baths)

Lot Size: 35 Acres

From the Agent: "In the heart of McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, this 35-acre property unfolds: a Mediterranean-style home, swimming pool and hot tub, barn, seasonal pond, and additional structures set within an open clearing. Private, expansive, and connected to the landscape, it’s a place for gathering and retreat, and it’s open to what comes next. Shaped over time by those who have lived, built, and passed through, it carries a quiet sense of history, from its original maker to stories embedded in the land itself. Emerging from the surrounding forest, the home and outbuildings sit intentionally within the clearing, forming the beginnings of a small compound. The architecture stands apart from its surroundings, a Mediterranean vision rarely found in the Pacific Northwest. The original builder began with the pool and signature arches, shaping the experience of the land first and the home around it. That intention continues to define how the property lives today. It’s set within one of the region’s most expansive landscapes, with access to the McKenzie River, Clear Lake, and Hoodoo Recreation Area, which places fishing, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, golf, and seasonal recreation within easy reach. A local fixture, the McKenzie General Store and Obsidian Grill, sits just down the road. With 35 acres, a barn, orchard, and additional structures already in place, the property also offers forested acreage and timber, creating opportunities for stewardship, use, and long-term value."

The covered terrace (complete with a hot tub) frames the pool and forest through a row of white arches. According to the current owners, the original owner-builder constructed the pool and the arches before the house itself — The covered terrace (complete with a built-in hot tub) frames the pool and forest through a row of white arches. According to the current owners, the original owner-builder constructed the pool and the arches before building the house itself.
Photo by Bryan Daugherty

The main living area opens directly to the terrace and pool, with arched views visible through the sliding glass doors. A breeze-block divider separates it from the kitchen. — The main living area opens directly to the terrace and pool, visible through sliding glass doors. The room also has one of the home’s two fireplaces.
Photo by Bryan Daugherty

See the full story on Dwell.com: This $1.2M Oregon Retreat Is Part Homestead, Part Tuscan Villa
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Spend Quiet Days by the Water in This Gabled Niagara Escarpment Retreat, Asking $1.4M

Towering trees, curated landscaping, and open clearings create a sense of balance between refinement and wilderness.

120 Mimi Cres in Meaford, Ontario, is currently listed at $1,454,148 by Kevin McLoughlin and Kerri-Ann Brownlee at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

Set within the prestigious enclave of Rockcliffe Estates, this property spans approximately three acres of beautifully varied landscape, offering a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and breathtaking Georgian Bay views. With its pie-shaped configuration and ideal western exposure, the setting is designed to capture golden afternoon light and sunsets over the Bay.

Surrounded by mature forest, the property feels deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Towering trees, curated landscaping, and open clearings create a sense of balance between refinement and wilderness—offering both peaceful seclusion and inviting outdoor space to enjoy throughout the seasons.

A defining feature of the land is Waterton Creek, a living waterway that winds through the lower portion of the property. This tranquil, ever-changing natural element brings with it the gentle sound of flowing water, abundant wildlife, and a sense of calm that is impossible to replicate. Accessible via a scenic descent through the treed hillside, the creek and its surrounding lands extend the usable footprint of the property and create a truly unique recreational retreat.

Just moments from the shoreline, the property also offers immediate access to southern Georgian Bay. A short walk or quick drive leads to a shallow, rocky beach—perfect for launching a paddle board, enjoying a swim, or spending quiet days by the water.

With ample space for future enhancements such as a detached garage, pool, or additional outdoor living areas, the property presents both a finished vision and an opportunity to further personalize. Whether enjoyed as a peaceful year-round residence or a four-season escape, this is a setting that captures the very essence of life along the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay.

Crafted with a focus on enduring quality and understated luxury, this newly built residence by J.M. Hartman Holdings Inc. showcases a thoughtful blend of refined materials, advanced building practices, and timeless design. At the heart of the home, the main living space is anchored by a striking Rumford wood-burning fireplace, clad in a French country blend stone and detailed with a classic herringbone brick firebox—both a visual centerpiece and a highly efficient source of radiant warmth.

Surrounding it, engineered white oak flooring in a sophisticated chevron pattern brings warmth, texture, and continuity throughout the main level. The kitchen is equally impressive, appointed with Nile Gold sintered stone countertops and backsplash—an ultra-durable, heat- and stain-resistant surface—paired with a fully integrated JennAir NOIR appliance suite. Custom millwork and cabinetry, carried throughout the home in white oak and walnut tones, reflect a consistent attention to detail and craftsmanship.

Designed for comfort in every season, the home features a hydronic in-floor radiant heating system on the main level, delivering consistent, energy-efficient warmth, while a separate forced-air system services the upper level with both heating and air conditioning. Additional electric in-floor heating in the upper bathrooms enhances everyday comfort.

Built with performance in mind, the home is fully insulated with closed-cell spray foam, achieving superior thermal efficiency and air sealing well above standard construction requirements. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) and integrated humidification system ensure balanced air quality and year-round comfort.

The exterior reflects the same commitment to longevity and design, with pre-aged white cedar cladding, a durable corrugated metal roof, and a combination of large-format aluminum and vinyl windows that maximize natural light while framing the surrounding landscape.

Further enhancing the home’s functionality are thoughtfully integrated systems including a 4,000-gallon cistern water supply with advanced filtration and UV purification, low-voltage Lutron lighting throughout, and a pre-planned elevator shaft for future accessibility.

Listing Details

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 3 full

Square Feet: 3,781

Plot Size: 3 acres

Courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty Canada

See the full story on Dwell.com: Spend Quiet Days by the Water in This Gabled Niagara Escarpment Retreat, Asking $1.4M
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Risa Boyer Revamped This $2.8M Portland Midcentury From Top to Bottom

The down-to-the-studs renovation sought to preserve the 1957 home’s character while introducing upgraded systems, new finishes, and a high-performance building envelope.

Originally built in 1957, the recent renovation, which was completed in just 10 months, sought to preserve the midcentury-modern details while dramatically updating the home's performance for contemporary living.

Location: 6055 SW 90th Ave, Portland, Oregon

Price: $2,850,000

Year Built: 1957

Renovation Architect: Risa Boyer Architecture

Footprint: 4,083 square feet (5 beds, 4 baths)

Lot Size: 0.36 acres

From the Agent: "After more than two decades working at Nike, Chris and Megan Carle began imagining a home that reflected their active Pacific Northwest lifestyle and the architectural influences they had admired while traveling the world. Drawn to the philosophy of midcentury developer Joseph Eichler, they began searching Portland’s limited inventory of authentic midcentury homes. They eventually discovered a 1957 post-and-beam house tucked into a former fruit orchard, surrounded by massive heritage oak trees. Portland architect Risa Boyer helped guide the design, while high-performance builder Josh Salinger advised on achieving a durable, energy-efficient building envelope. Rather than altering the footprint or layout, the renovation focused on rebuilding the home from the inside out while preserving its defining architectural features, including the dramatic vaulted post-and-beam ceilings that greet visitors upon entry. Taken down to the studs, the home was reconstructed with meticulous attention to performance and comfort. At the heart of the house sits a generous chef’s kitchen, equipped with Miele appliances and Sub-Zero refrigeration surrounding a large central island. A reengineered rear wall introduces a large multislider door system, opening the kitchen and living room to a courtyard backyard and pool. Stephanie Kjar Roth of Foxy Den advised on optimizing the interior material palette, ensuring a cohesive balance of woods, ceramics, and natural textures. Curated with interior designer Allie McGory of Lille House, the interiors blend Scandinavian restraint with midcentury icons, including Eames and De La Espada pieces, and a vintage DK3 shelving system."

Much of the tile throughout the home is by Heath Ceramics. The custom walnut and oak cabinetry is by Artisan Woodworking.
Photo by Justin Jones, Jones Media Shop

See the full story on Dwell.com: Risa Boyer Revamped This $2.8M Portland Midcentury From Top to Bottom
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Budget Breakdown: How Ceramicist Joe Skoby Traded Up for His Family’s Dream Home in San Diego

He and his wife, Cristiana, revitalized a run-down property for less than $250K partly by swapping his coveted work with friends and vendors.

For several years, Joe and Cristiana Skoby rented a home just one blissful block from the beach in San Diego’s La Jolla neighborhood. It was a historic adobe cottage with a garden they had filled with lush plants. Joe, a fishmonger and ceramicist known for his textured surfaces and organic, knocked-in shapes, had a tiny studio under a corrugated roof. "Joe is the oldest soul you can meet," Cristiana says. "And I’m from Europe—I didn’t mind a smaller place. But it was 907 square feet with two bedrooms and one bath. We had a growing business and a growing family."

Cristiana and Joe Skoby spent two years looking for a house that would accommodate their family of five, could be a canvas for their Italy-meets-California style, and would fit their budget. They were able to turn a dreary 1960s house in San Diego into a dreamy home—with a lot of creativity, sweat equity, and help from their community. — Cristiana and Joe Skoby spent two years looking for a house that would accommodate their family of five, could be a canvas for their Italy-meets-California style, and would fit their budget.
They were able to turn a dreary 1960s house in San Diego into a dreamy home—with a
lot of creativity, sweat equity, and help from their community.
Photo by Jeovanna Pérez

Wanting more space, in 2021, the Skobys started looking—and looking. They had a strong community in La Jolla, Joe is a dedicated surfer, and they loved raising their three children on the beach. "I was only going to move from La Jolla for a dream house," says Cristiana, who worked for Dolce & Gabbana in her native Italy and now manages Joe’s art business.

But La Jolla, once an artists’ colony, has seen its modest cottages replaced with mansions. Prices have become especially heartbreaking since the pandemic. After two years of browsing, Cristiana spotted a listing for $900,000 in Clairemont, the next neighborhood inland. It looked like the opposite of a dream house—a coffin-like entryway, low ceilings, a poky layout, and bright blue wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedroom that switched to gray in the bathroom. The backyard was bare dirt and invasive ice plants.

After seeing the wood carvings that his friend Matthew Wignall was doing, Joe asked if the artist would be interested in making a door. They gave him no direction, and it was the largest piece he had undertaken. The result is a showstopper of an entry that sets the tone for the house: original, earthy, handmade. — After Joe saw the wood carvings his friend Matthew Wignall was doing, he asked if
the artist would be interested in making a door. Joe and Cristiana gave him no direction, and it was the largest piece he had undertaken. The result is a showstopper of an entry that sets the tone for the house: original, earthy, handmade.
Photo by Collin Erie

The Skobys combined the original walled-off entryway, kitchen, living room, and dining area into one bright, open space. To vault the ceilings, they had to install a 26-foot-long central support beam. The clerestory windows they added give the house the feel of an iconic midcentury.
Photo by Jeovanna Pérez

See the full story on Dwell.com: Budget Breakdown: How Ceramicist Joe Skoby Traded Up for His Family’s Dream Home in San Diego

Stone Wraps This Frank Lloyd Wright–Inspired New York Home Seeking $6.5M

Spanning nearly six acres, the contemporary estate includes a main house, a pair of guest residences, and a saltwater pool.

Location: 496 Haines Road, Bedford Corners, New York 10549

Price: $6,500,000

Year Built: 2025

Footprint: 7,213 square feet (5 Beds, 4 Baths)

Lot Size: 5.93 Acres

From the Agent: "Drawing inspiration from the organic principles pioneered by visionaries such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Haines House continues that tradition by blending art and environment to create a harmonious balance with timeless intent. This property is all about comfort, privacy and security. The great room is wrapped in glass, framing uninterrupted views in every direction. A central fireplace anchors the open plan, warming the kitchen, dining area, and a sunken lounge. The main residence offers four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The primary suite occupies the uppermost level, complete with dual baths, a sitting room, an office, and direct access to a secluded terrace. Beyond the residences, the estate invites both recreation and reflection. Two guest pavilions connected by a luminous glass corridor echo the architectural rhythm of the main residence while maintaining their own sense of privacy. A saltwater pool shimmers in the sun, and a versatile sports court awaits play."