Riddel Architecture demolished a house in Australia and reused 80% of the salvaged materials to create this modern home.  Even the new materials that were used in the construction of the Hill End Ecohouse  are made of recycled materials, and the home is entirely energy self-sufficient. Love how this house shows that being environmentally-conscious can be beautiful as well.

As a special surprise, check out the original structure below.  The before-and-after effect is particulary striking!

Via Dezeen, as suggested by my colleague Véronique!

This apartment located in Thessaloniki, Greece,was designed by .27 Architects to meet the owners’ specific needs.  The furniture, walls, floors and ceilings often perform double duties here. For example, the wall and ceiling around the bed satisfies the owners’ desire for a four-poster bed while at the same time providing more storage space. The wood floor is placed 40 cm on top of the original marble floor to provide room for storage, lighting, etc underneath. I  love the book storage solution – who ever thought of storing books in the floor!

As with many recently completed architectural projects, I think it needs a bit more warmth, but that’s probably because it hasn’t been lived in yet. Overall this space is very thought-provoking.

Via Arch Daily

Chalet Lanel, created by Andreas Fuhrimann and Gabrielle Hächler, is striking in its use of plywood throughout, from the floors, walls and ceilings to the stairs and even the bed! Not considered a luxury material, plywood is not normally used in this way and the effect is wholly original.  While I know the desired aesthetic of this French chalet is minimalistic and spartan, it would be nice to see it a tiny bit more lived in.

Via Plastolux

I am fortunate enough to be going to this breathtaking place this morning as a Christmas gift from my parents. Designed by Saucier & Perrotte Architectes, Montreal’s Scandinave Les Bains is a 12,000 square foot spa located in a former warehouse near the Old Port. This beautiful spa offers Scandinavian style baths, otherwise known as thermal baths, as well as a variety of massages.

More shots:

I love the blue stairs in this Santa Monica house, especially in contrast to the blond-coloured wood. But besides this detail of the interior, what really stands out about the house is the gorgeous architecture. There’s even a bedroom outside!

Photos via Dwell and L.A. Times.

Via What We Do Is Secret.

More photos:

When I was a kid my family owned a business that manufactured and sold hardwood floors, ceilings and wainscotting. You could say I have a healthy appreciation of wood, having grown up surrounded by it.  I love its modern incarnations in these home interiors. So beautiful! (Click on each picture to make it larger)

Above and below by Aidlin Darling.

The Selby:

123DV (via Design Milk):

Dwell:

Karl Anderson (via Desire to Inspire):

Andrea Ferrari (via Desire to Inspire):

The all-white aesthetic and multiple storeys of this Swedish townhouse  by Elding Oscarson are fascinating. The way it completely stands out from its surroundings is kind of making me chuckle, though.  You can read all the architectural and interior design details on Arch Daily.

Here’s a treehouse you could get away with having as a grown-up.  This treehouse in Portland is a real deal place!

Via NOTCOT and Green Diary.