Linear Magazine — Collection 003
A rooftop haven, an immersive nature retreat, and an edgy Austin home
Black Diamond (Sydney, Australia)
Designed by YSG Studio
Reminiscent of a boutique hotel, this three-story home features tactile interiors, velvety finishes, and jewel-toned elements. Noteworthy is the kitchen’s sculptural island and the outdoor lounge that adds a much-appreciated Palm Springs flair.
Hood Cliff Retreat (Hansville, Washington)
Designed by Wittman Estes
Tucked in a forest overlooking Washington's Hood Canal, this series of family cabins embodies “tactile modernism,” connecting the family to “the sensation and physical experiences of the Puget sound ecosystem.” Inspired by the native Killdeer bird, the retreat provides gathering space for a family deeply connected to nature, featuring large glass openings, continuous decks, and discrete pavilions.
Hale Kiawe (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii)
Designed by Walker Warner
Inspired by the Kiawe Trees native to the region, Hale Kiawe’s design is modeled after the traditional agrarian buildings that dotted the region. Though seamlessly integrated with the environment outside, the interior of the home is designed to be a retreat from the environment, a place of quiet solitude.
Kharposhteh Apartment (Isfahan, Iran)
Designed by SE-BÆR Studio
I never feel more connected to a city than when I’m on a roof. Kharposhteh Apartment’s design was inspired by the traditional use of roofs in Isfahan, which encouraged social events, keeping pigeons, and summertime sleep spaces.
I really liked this text from the architect:
The wind was alive in the highs and lows of the roof. There was air to breathe. One could forget that the roof was for “those frightened by rain and the sun.” I always walked barefoot on the roof. What a blessing we lost. Shoes are humanity’s last stand in denying the fall of man, an allegory of the sorrow being away from heaven has left us. There is evil in shoes. They create chaos in the healthy conversation between the earth and our feet. I used to be barefoot most of the time; on the roof, nothing was worth more than the rough layer of thatch under my feet.
Henri II House (Austin, Texas)
Designed by Murray Legge Architecture
Designed for an artist and architectural historian, this residential addition blends historic charm with Austin’s urban edge. Rugged concrete masonry and an internal steel frame join in functional harmony to create a two-story library, open living spaces, and a lofted primary suite.
SOLO Luminosa (Luminosa, Brazil)
Designed by CONTRA Arquitetura
Nestled in Serra da Mantiqueira’s Luminosa, the SOLO Luminosa cabin, designed by CONTRA, embodies the essence of biocontemporary architecture. SOLO reinterprets local construction traditions, bioconstruction, contemporary design and sustainable technologies, to create immersive nature-based stays.
Brown Hill House (Brown Hill, Victoria, Australia)
Designed by Eldridge Anderson Architects
Featuring a central courtyard designed around tall gum trees, Brown Hill house offers a serene retreat for a young family. I’ve always loved design elements that make it feel like you’re exploring the land — Brown Hill is no exception here with its stepped floor plates and curved roofline that echo the natural contours of the sloping site.
Toro House (Puerto Escondido, Mexico)
Designed by Estudio Carroll
Designed to harness the natural elements, this 250 square-meter home on La Barra’s coast blends vibrant blue concrete with open, airflow-maximizing architecture, merging effortlessly with its panoramic sea and mountain vistas.
About Linear Magazine
I spend countless hours crawling the web for interesting design and architecture. And, if you’re subscribed to this newsletter you’re probably the type of person who does that too.
My goal with Linear is to introduce you to themes you might not have considered, trends you might not have noticed, and opportunities you should experience, balancing depth of content with approachability and “plain talk.”
Every couple weeks, I’ll highlight ten or so projects that made an impact on me, and I’ll feature a few you can experience in the real world – that’s where the magic happens.
If you have a project you think might be worth highlighting, let me know at submissions@linear-magazine.com, or send Linear a message on Twitter.
Linear is for the Architecturally Curious.
Disclaimer
Linear’s mission is to bridge the gap between digital curation and physical spaces. We feature projects based on their unique, captivating design, and the opportunity they offer to experience design in the real world. Booking and reservation links are provided for your convenience, and we may earn a commission from some. Sponsored content will be clearly marked as such – Linear is committed to authenticity and transparency in every interaction.