The home, featuring off-form concrete and polished black granite, embraces verticality and material contrasts.

A retro circular cut-out and an Escher-inspired staircase add playful, artistic touches, reflecting Taher’s vision of architecture as an art installation to be appreciated.

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Located on Tanarimba's highest point, Twinkle Villa by CY Chan Architect won the best building and a gold award at the Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia Awards in 2017 for “conversing eloquently with the idyllic forest and responding climatically to the setting”.

When approached from the driveway, this retreat from city life has a “hard” external appearance with a solid raw concrete wall rising dramatically above building height.

However, when viewed from the other side, “it transforms and opens up dramatically towards the woodlands while unravelling the charming and delightful ambience of a retreat within”.

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In Greater Jakarta, architect Budi Lim has crafted a serene retreat that prioritises the harmony of architecture with nature.

The home, a collection of minimalist bungalows, took three years to design and centres around a lush open space, offering its residents an intimate connection to the natural world. Each bedroom functions as an independent bungalow, creating a sense of seclusion within the larger property.

Lim’s innovative touch extends to a seven-tier water purification system that integrates water bodies throughout the land, enhancing both sustainability and tranquillity.

The home, with its carefully curated trees and greenery, evolves with the rhythm of time, reflecting Lim’s commitment to blending design with the natural environment.

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In the lush foothills near Khao Yai National Park, a holiday home seamlessly fuses contemporary architecture with the surrounding natural beauty. Designed by the Singapore-based firm Park + Associates in collaboration with MEC Engineering and Compound Collaborative, the house is a powerful showcase of thoughtful design in dialogue with its environment.

With a focus on spaciousness and openness, the home draws the eye to panoramic views of the verdant landscape framed by a restrained, modern material palette.

Off-form concrete walls, shifting planes, and a roofline that echoes the nearby mountain range create a sense of fluidity between the architecture and the land it occupies.

The design goes beyond aesthetics, incorporating sustainable features and locally sourced materials that anchor the house in its Thai context. At once bold and understated, the home captures the essence of retreat, inviting its inhabitants to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of modern living.

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On the Philippine island of Camiguin, architect Edwin Uy has crafted a modernist marvel that seamlessly blends with its lush tropical surroundings. House No17, perched on Bulkang Daan, showcases Uy’s deep-rooted understanding of the region’s natural beauty.

The 200-square-meter residence, commissioned by a California real estate broker with a penchant for mid-century modern architecture, boasts an open design that embraces the island’s climate.

Uy’s thoughtful approach to topography and local materials is evident throughout, from the strategic positioning to maximise airflow to incorporating centuries-old volcanic rocks unearthed during construction.

With its elevated terrace overlooking the sea and a lounge area carved into the surrounding rock, House No17 exemplifies critical regionalism. Uy’s design not only respects the land but celebrates it, creating a harmonious dialogue between modern architecture and Camiguin’s rugged beauty.

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In the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, a striking 12,500 sq ft residence commands attention, its angular concrete forms boldly contrasting with the lush golf course below. Designed by Studio Bikin’s Jie Hsin Loo and Farah Azizan, this architectural feat overcame significant structural challenges before its transformation as a brutalist masterpiece.

The home’s unique layout, with primary living spaces on the top floor, maximises sweeping views of the verdant landscape. A cantilevered staircase at the angled entrance and a two-ton concrete chandelier suspended in the lobby showcase the designers’ innovative approach to space and light.

Despite the imposing concrete and steel elements, the residence maintains a sense of warmth, incorporating colours and geometric patterns to balance its stark brutalism.

The designers’ freedom to make bold choices, coupled with adaptations for family living, has resulted in a home that is both visually arresting and functional.

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The Vista House by Hier Architects masterfully blends nature and design in a semi-detached property in Singapore’s dense urban landscape. Integrating greenery, natural light, and ventilation, the home invites the outside in, creating a seamless connection between its concrete structure and the lush surroundings.

Timber and metal screens thoughtfully soften the building’s raw concrete frame, providing both privacy and a delicate filter for sunlight. These elements ensure the home remains bathed in natural light while preserving a sense of intimacy.

Designed to maximise the views of a neighbouring garden, the family room and master suite overlook the serene greenery, forming a visual and spatial anchor for the home.

Inside, the open-plan layout and generous common spaces invite family gatherings, whether for cooking, hosting, or casual daily activities. The result is a warm, cohesive environment where family life thrives, offering a refreshing take on domesticity in an increasingly vertical city.

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