Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

NANTUCKET™ WINDOW SHADINGS In this modern take on window shadings, daylight becomes a beautiful backdrop with the sheer fabric of Nantucket™ window shadings. Closed, they offer privacy and a soft glow; rolled up, they provide a clear view of the outdoors; opened, the vanes give you the best of both – an impressionistic view and soft, filtered light. In every situation, they’re a fresh, youthful approach to windows.

ACRYLITE bronze acrylic impact resistant panels over a custom wood framed structure provide a great outdoor space for this small cabin on Discovery Bay. The bronze color panels and powder coated aluminum clamping bar system went well with the modern color scheme of the home. Having a cover over the cedar structure and deck below will help to minimize the maintenance. This will be a great dining space on those warm summer eves. The panels block out UV rays and allow soft filtered light to come into the home year round. Photo by Doug Woodside

Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

This very large parkway (roughly 70'x12') features drought tolerant plants with an emphasis on mass plantings. Installing plants in groups according to variety allows you to see the artistic nature of the plant since it becomes bold and showy in bulk. Due to filtered light and the layer of mulch which helps retain moisture, these plants will not require a lot of water which is helpful to our drought-relief efforts as well as our water bills!

Lyne Brunet
Small transitional loft-style light wood floor living room photo in Montreal with beige walls

Eichler X-100 Exterior: A Steel-Framed Icon of California Modernism The exterior of the Eichler X-100 is a bold architectural statement—where structure, material, and landscape are expressed with total clarity. Designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons for Joseph Eichler, the home reimagines the traditional façade as something far more experimental and forward-thinking. A Structural Expression, Not Just a Façade Unlike conventional Eichler homes, the X-100’s exterior reveals its steel-frame construction. Six exposed steel I-beams project outward at the front elevation, creating a rhythmic, almost industrial composition. This honest expression of structure eliminates the need for load-bearing walls and becomes the defining visual language of the home. The use of concrete block, steel, and glass creates a striking contrast—grounded yet lightweight, industrial yet refined. Every material is intentional, with nothing hidden or decorative for its own sake. Geometry and Simplicity The massing is low and horizontal, consistent with mid-century modern principles, but elevated through precise geometry and modular spacing. Clean rooflines and deep overhangs emphasize horizontality while providing both shade and visual depth. The entry sequence is subtle and understated—typical of Eichler design—drawing you inward rather than announcing itself outwardly. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection At the rear, the home opens dramatically through expansive glass walls, dissolving the boundary between interior living spaces and the landscape beyond. The backyard is not separate from the home—it is an extension of it. Outdoor spaces are carefully composed with: Circular hardscape elements that echo the home’s geometric language Integrated planting areas that soften the architectural lines A strong sense of privacy despite the openness Atrium Living from the Outside In While many Eichlers feature atriums, the X-100 takes it further—its interior gardens influence the exterior experience, creating layered transparency. Glimpses of greenery, filtered light, and architectural framing give the home a dynamic, ever-changing presence from different vantage points. A Prototype of the Future The exterior of the Eichler X-100 doesn’t just represent a style—it represents a moment of experimentation in American residential design. It merges industrial innovation with livable beauty, embodying the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of California Modernism. For design enthusiasts, the X-100 exterior is not just visually compelling—it’s a rare opportunity to experience architecture where structure, space, and landscape operate as one cohesive idea. Image Sabrina Huang

This traditional Gambrel home is the embodiment of Chatham, MA luxury. Lavender blooms alongside the reclaimed granite exterior stairs that leads to the Stage Harbor beach on Cape Cod.

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

Yavapai Cabin sits in the middle of a steep mountain in an Arizona conifer forest. A clearing on the slope was made by the owner, with a vision to create a cabin immersed within the tree canopies. Upward Architecture approached the project with two design options, exploring different ways to bring filtered light into the living spaces. Both options propose a plan with a central kitchen and living space, with sleeping suites on either side. A simple shed roof opens up to the commanding views of this Yavapai County forest, from all rooms.

The dining space is framed by filtered light and long views, where daily rituals unfold within a setting shaped by climate and material honesty. The architecture supports gathering without excess.

Mature trees as well as the homeowners' sculptures provided a starting point for this drought tolerant back yard. The hillside is very steep in places which required the plant material to be low maintenance and looking good year round. With a variety of succulents and agaves there is a nice place between the sculptural shape of the plants and the actual pieces of art.

This San Diego primary bathroom centers on a sculptural freestanding soaking tub framed by symmetrical windows with softly filtered light. Marble look wall tile wraps the space, extending seamlessly into the glass enclosed shower for a cohesive spa inspired aesthetic. A recessed niche with geometric detailing adds subtle pattern and functionality. Overhead, a dramatic chandelier anchors the tray ceiling, introducing a refined focal point that balances the clean architectural lines and serene material palette.

Careful detailing at the window and door openings give a great "forest" character to the exterior.
Example of a small arts and crafts red two-story wood exterior home design in Portland

The renovations at Horseshoe Hill transformed a disjointed property into an alluring farmhouse with strong connections to the landscape and a fresh aesthetic to complement the owner’s South African furnishings. A new main gable establishes a strong central focus for the massing, and an entry wing addition welcomes visitors with a charming porch and inviting foyer. New south-facing covered porches create comfortable outdoor living areas, connect major rooms to the outdoors, and provide shade and filtered light for interior spaces. The home’s updated floor plan distills an existing warren of disconnected, small chambers into spacious, open rooms that infuse the house with a modern flow and engage the new pool.

NANTUCKET™ WINDOW SHADINGS In this modern take on window shadings, daylight becomes a beautiful backdrop with the sheer fabric of Nantucket™ window shadings. Closed, they offer privacy and a soft glow; rolled up, they provide a clear view of the outdoors; opened, the vanes give you the best of both – an impressionistic view and soft, filtered light. In every situation, they’re a fresh, youthful approach to windows.

The Mediterranean style is all about adding warmth, and we think the simple woven shades made such a difference in this kitchen nook, adding texture filtered light. Charming details make charming spaces!

Bathroom - bathroom idea in Phoenix