Modern residences redefining architectural norms and limits
In the realm of modern architecture, creativity and experimentation are at the forefront, as evidenced by the numerous groundbreaking homes that have emerged worldwide. This article showcases a selection of these innovative dwellings, each with its unique design and sustainable features.
Casa Neptuna, commissioned by art collector Amalia Amoedo, is a prime example of this trend. Located in Argentina, the residency space for her Fundación Ama Amoedo (FAA) was designed by Argentinian artist and designer Edgardo Giménez. The design reflects Giménez's background in the 1960s Buenos Aires' Pop Art scene, with bright colors, playful geometry, and elongated one-storey structure topped with decorative sculptural forms.
Moving across the globe, we find Casa Ladera, a contemporary house in Chile designed by WMR. This architectural marvel showcases sleek lines and a harmonious blend with the surrounding landscape.
In Italy, Mario Cucinella's TECLA house was 3D-printed using raw earth, demonstrating the potential of this technology in sustainable construction. Similarly, the m.o.r.e. CLT Cabin in Canada aims to disrupt the assumption that 'natural'-looking buildings are automatically eco-friendly. Designed by Paul Kariouk, this cabin is a modern cabin constructed with low-waste cross-laminated timber and minimal land contact.
Japanese architecture also features prominently in this lineup. The Culvert Guesthouse, designed by Nendo, is a residence and storage facility made from precast concrete box culverts stacked on top of each other. The structure features a main interior space that is a 40m-long tunnel with glass windows at each end, offering a unique living experience. Another Japanese creation, Yuputira House by Mariko Mori, is a spherical building inspired by coral and serves as a reminder of environmental challenges.
The Peninsula House on the Greek island of Antiporos was virtually directed during the Covid pandemic, demonstrating the growing use of technology in contemporary home design and construction. This includes the use of computing capabilities, such as video conferencing and 3D printing, as seen in projects like Rock'n'House in the USA, designed by Christian Wassmann, and Ashraya in the UK, designed by Kirkland Fraser Moor.
Lastly, we have Kanan Modi's House of Gardens in India, designed to reduce heat, potentially contributing to sustainable architecture. Casa Q'anil, a contemporary house in Guatemala designed by Juan Pablo Barrios, also embodies this commitment to sustainability.
Philip Jodidio's third volume of Homes for Our Time: Contemporary Houses around the World showcases 59 projects from 25 countries, providing a comprehensive overview of the innovative trends shaping the world of modern architecture today. These homes not only serve as dwellings but also as testaments to the ingenuity and vision of their creators, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in residential design.
