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Architecture

Living in the USA: America's top ten homes revealed

By Adam Williams
April 13, 2016
Living in the USA: America's top ten homes revealed
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the winners of its 2016 Housing Awards
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the winners of its 2016 Housing Awards
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
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1180 Fourth Street in San Francisco, was designed by Mithun and offers affordable housing to 150 low income, very low income and formerly homeless families and individuals
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
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Cloverdale749 in Los Angeles was designed by Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects and comprises a number of attractive apartments in what was deemed a challenging plot
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
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The Commonwealth Honors College in the University of Massachusetts was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects. It comprises a mix of unit types that provides 1,500 beds in seven new buildings
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
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The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
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Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
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Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
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Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
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Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
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Homeless Veterans Transitional Housing in Los Angeles was designed by Leo A Daly to offer therapeutic housing for 65 homeless men and women
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
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Independence Pass Residence, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, is based in Aspen, Colorado, and was conceived as a floating pavilion with continuous interior views end to end on the upper level
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
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Honolulu's Island Residence was also designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and is dominated by deep roof eaves which extend outward, providing shelter and prolonging the lifespan of the materials underneath
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
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Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
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Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
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Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
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Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
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Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
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Oak Ridge House is based in Jakson, MS and was designed by Decker Architects. The home is shaped to draw the outside in and encourage the family to go outside
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
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Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
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Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
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Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
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Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
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Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the winners of its 2016 Housing Awards
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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has revealed the winners of its 2016 Housing Awards
View gallery - 64 images

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the winners of the 2016 Housing Awards. As was the case with last year's selection, a variety of homes were given the nod, including a group of rural cabins, beautiful luxury homes, and affordable housing for homeless veterans.

The 10 winning projects are split into One/Two Family Custom Housing, Multifamily Living, and Special Housing categories. Below, we cover three standout examples.

Newberg Residence – Cutler Anderson Architects

Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond
Few homes take their place as well as Newberg Residence, by Cutler Anderson Architects. Situated in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond

We feature a lot of luxury homes at Gizmag but few take their place as well as Newberg Residence. Based in Newberg, Oregon, it takes the form of a bridge over a large pond. The project was carefully landscaped to ensure a strong connection with the surrounding farmland and visitors must make their approach to the home on foot through a forest.

Entry to the home is gained via the rear as the front leads right onto the pond and allows the owners to take a dive almost from their living room. Designed as a simple steel and wood structure, Newberg Residence comprises a kitchen, living/dining room and master bedroom. An indoor mudroom links the home with the garage and a small nearby guest house is connected via an outdoor covered walkway.

Whitetail Woods Regional Park Camper – HGA

Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse
Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 hectare) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse

Situated on a sprawling 456 acre (184.5 ha) plot in Farmington, Minnesota, HGA's Whitetail Woods Regional Park and Camper Cabins riff on the idea of a treehouse and provide a rural retreat to the public for a small fee.

The 227 sq ft (21 sq m) cabins sit on concrete pillars and boast generous glazing, which frames the beautiful forest. The red cedar glulam chassis, cedar and pine framing, and red cedar cladding ensure the cabins take their place among the trees perfectly. Inside, bunks and fold-away seating and sleeping areas mean the cabins can easily sleep six. As they are already shaded from the sun by the forest, the cabins require only passive natural ventilation to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Hog Pen Creek Retreat – Lake|Flato Architects

The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout
The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Lake|Flato Architects delivered a unique home that is passively cooled thanks to its open layout

The Hog Pen Creek Residence was designed for a Bay Area couple looking to retire to Texas. Commissioned to create a strong connection with the outside, Lake|Flato Architects added features like a long boardwalk, outdoor living room (which serves as a point of entry into the home), and a two-story porch space.

The house is cooled by the prevailing breeze and many operable windows were carefully placed to take advantage of this. The L-shaped home was also built carefully so as to ensure no existing trees would be damaged, but when a tree was uprooted during a storm, it was salvaged, milled, and now decorates the dining table, desks, vanity tops, and shelving.

Head to the gallery to see the other winning projects for the American Institute of Architects 2016 Housing Awards.

Source: AIA

View gallery - 64 images

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2 comments
Adam Williams
Adam Williams
Adam scours the globe from his home in Spain in order to bring the best of innovative architecture and sustainable design to the pages of New Atlas. Most of his spare time is spent dabbling in music, tinkering with old Macintosh computers and trying to keep his even older VW bus on the road.

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ozboy61
Shows just how valuable a degree is I suppose. Having looked at these 'winners' I am left to wonder why I am so dumb. I see houses that are placed in places where it is snow for months on end with vast areas of high ceiling, open plan living and huge glass surfaces that must leak energy at an astronomical rate, even if double glazed, to dog boxes in a forest where they will possibly end up as a death trap in the event of a fire. Oregon and Minnesota- remind me again how pleasant it is living in a forest there in the winter and how lovely it will be to have a pond of frozen water under your flow through ventilated home! It is not by a stroke of genius that people who live in cold areas avoid open plan- who wants to heat an entire home when you live in a few rooms. OK I come from Australia where only fools build in forests like that because of the fire hazards, but from what I see on the news you have forest fires in the US as well, and our winters are not as hard as the US ones so I can only go by what I see on the telly. And what home for the poor can afford a concierge at the front desk. The Hawaiiian house is a winner- use the place to your advantage, but I will bet a 'thunderclap to a duck's fart" the owners of the Texan joint with huge surface area and open plan that uses flow through air, still close the place up with the AC on due to the high local air temp (looked it up on the net- yup 90 deg F is getting up there). Sorry, but until trained architects who dish out these 'awards' need too start to consider the local environment and the resident's living needs when living in it in their learned decisions, they are only leaving themselves open to some serious questions about their credibility from those of us trained in the field of architecture by such lowly things as common sense.
Riaanh
@fredmadden, with you at this. I live in a part of South Africa where the weather is very temperate, but in Summer it could go up to 35C. I am everyday driving by a new, very nice architectually designed office block with this large West facing expanse of glass.....