What inspired the design of the Sculptured House in Colorado?

Architect Charles Deaton aimed to break away from traditional, angular homes, believing that since people are not angular, they shouldn't live in rectangles. The design emphasizes organic, non-linear living spaces.

What was the design challenge for the wave-like futuristic house in Granada, Spain?

The primary challenge was the steep 42-degree slope of the coastal plot. Architects overcame this by creating a multi-level design where the living area follows the hill's contours, culminating in a cantilevered terrace with a swimming pool.

Where is the Hollywood villa located and what are its key features?

The Hollywood villa is located in the private, gated Monte Mayor estate near Marbella, Spain. It features four bedrooms and bathrooms within 5,382 square feet of internal space on a 32,292 square-foot plot, with organic white architecture, Mediterranean Sea views, and infinity terraces.

How did Zaha Hadid's Capital Hill Residence challenge traditional architecture?

Zaha Hadid designed the Capital Hill Residence to be partially 'floating' 22 meters above the ground, fulfilling the client's desire to be 'above the trees.' This created a design with one component integrated into the forest and another elevated for solitude and views.

How does the Dupli Casa in Germany incorporate its history?

The Dupli Casa is rooted in the 'family archaeology' of a pre-existing 1984 house. The architect echoed the footprint and history of the former structure by duplicating and rotating its form to create the new, sculpted residence.

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The future is now: luxury mansions with avant-garde twists

3 December 2023

Interior design

Inspiration

Marusia

Author

In a world where architectural innovation knows no bounds, the future is unfolding before our very eyes. Welcome to a realm where opulent living takes on a whole new dimension, where luxury mansions have transcended the ordinary and ventured into the avant-garde.

From a curvaceous villa inspired by dragon skin texture to a fascinating sci-fi residence designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, these dwellings are not mere abodes; they are architectural masterpieces that bridge the gap between the present and the future.

When architect Charles Deaton envisioned the "Sculptured House" perched on Genesee Mountain near Denver, Colorado, he aimed to break free from the angular conformity of traditional homes. Emphasizing the importance of organic, non-linear living spaces, he boldly stated, "People aren't angular, so why should they live in rectangles?" The result, a 7,500-square-foot, three-level dwelling, defies convention with its gracefully curving design. Its origins were more sculptural than architectural, and its unique form earned it the fitting name "Sculptured House." This architectural wonder, created in 1963, had the limelight moment when it appeared in Woody Allen's 1973 film "Sleeper." Subsequently, in 1999, software millionaire John Huggins acquired the house for $1.3 million. The residence boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a four-car garage, and a media room. Perfect place to get lost for some time and connect with nature.

This Marbella villa encompasses 5,382 square feet of internal space and sits on a spacious 32,292 square-foot plot, featuring four bedrooms and bathrooms. Its unique white organic architecture elegantly integrates with the natural landscape, creating a futuristic masterpiece amidst the lush green surroundings. Nestled within the private, gated Monte Mayor estate, just a short drive from Marbella, this dwelling offers tranquillity and seclusion. Providing breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, it harmoniously blends with the indigenous environment while being conveniently located near a variety of golf courses and upscale shopping options in Puerto Banús. The south-facing living areas are bathed in natural light, and a sequence of infinity terraces offers serene outdoor spaces for relaxation. Whether one opts for a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool seamlessly extending from the house or simply reclines on a sun lounger nearby, this villa is the epitome of refinement and sophistication.

The Capital Hill Residence, a masterful creation by the Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, seamlessly intertwines with the Barvikha Forest's natural beauty near Moscow. In line with Hadid's avant-garde approach to architecture, she once challenged the client, Vladislav Doronin, with the question: "You realize you have to be above the trees?" This question laid the foundation for the house's unconventional design, which comprises two distinct components. One gracefully embraces the forested landscape, while the other appears to "float" 22 meters above the ground, affording Doronin the solitude he desired along with awe-inspiring views. The centrepiece of this architectural feat is the master suite, delicately perched on a slender concrete column, aptly described as "extraordinary" by design enthusiasts, providing the ultimate immersion in nature.

Poised majestically on a cliff in Salobreña, Spain, this residence is a true visual delight, marking the renaissance of artisanal architecture. Comprising three bedrooms and bathrooms, the house encompasses 2,691 square feet of interior space. Located on a coastal plot spanning 7,804 square feet, just an hour's drive south of Granada, this unique site presented a formidable challenge with its steep 42-degree slope. Architects Jaime Bartolomé and Pablo Gil embraced the challenge, driven by the owner’s vision of a home that would capture the awe-inspiring vistas of the Mediterranean Sea. The project demanded an amalgamation of intensive craftsmanship and innovative engineering, embodying the fusion of aspiration, talent, and unwavering dedication. The house unfolds across two floors, with a spacious living area gracefully following the natural contours of the hill, culminating in a cantilevered terrace housing a pristine swimming pool. Inside, the open and airy space sets the stage for sophisticated entertaining, seamlessly connecting with the captivating landscape that surrounds it.

The double house crafted by the visionary German architect J.Mayer, stands as an architectural wonder that embraces a futuristic vision of luxurious, spatial sophistication. This sculpted residence exhibits sinuous contours, seamlessly melding with the landscape to create a sense of continuous, fluid space. Rooted in the "family archaeology" of a pre-existing house from 1984, the Dupli Casa embodies a modern architectural masterpiece by echoing the footprint and history of the former structure through duplication and rotation. Elegantly elevated, it forms a semi-public space on the ground level, striking a balance between discretion and connection to the surrounding environment. The villa's façade skillfully blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor realms, offering magnificent views of Marbach's old town and the enchanting Neckar Valley. Dupli Casa adapts harmoniously to its environment, celebrating the beauty of nature.

Got inspired by these futuristic mansions? Here are some tips for you on how to re-create such extra-terrestrial ambience at your place without crashing the walls and trying to give your house the shape a UFO ship:

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