9 Contemporary Designs Find a Beautiful Home in Nature

Home Design  Contemporary Country Living

All over the U.S., an increasing number of contemporary homes are being built in settings traditionally reserved for other architectural styles. In some of the old Portland, Ore. neighborhoods where I live, it is not uncommon to see a modern home next to one built in the early 1900s. These contrasts got me thinking about contemporary homes in natural settings.

The squared-off lines of a contemporary home against a raw natural environment truly intrigues me. It's that relation between two opposite concepts that makes this idea so compelling, and one I want to try at least once in my lifetime. Here are 9 contemporary homes that did it right.

This beautiful Texas home is all about angles and materials. Nestled among a lightly forested setting, the contemporary design incorporates different materials — ipe siding, stucco and concrete panels — in perfect proportions. The seemingly random pathway leads visitors to the well-lit entry. For me, the angles of the home are a structured interpretation of the randomness of tree branches. That's why this design works so well in this setting.

by Nick Mehl Architecture

To me, this garage and guest quarters feels like an adult-size tree house. The structure sits squarely amidst a nice wooded setting, seemingly growing right out of the earth. The expansive windows looking out must make it feel as if you are up in the branches of the surrounding trees.

by David Vandervort Architects

With a perfect backdrop of greenery, this expansive shingled home takes full advantage of the views. The combination of wood shingles, stone (both structured and unstructured) and greenery are in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.

by Six Walls Interior Design

There is just something about California living that is so appealing. This contemporary home rises above the valley below providing the homeowners a fantastic vantage point of the surrounding area. Outdoor seating both above and below invite us to take relax, take in the view, to be one with the nature around us.

by Quezada Architecture

Less "country," more beachfront. I included this example to show how a structure, even though modern, can work perfectly with the surrounding landscape. Almost as if it were built out of the sky, clouds and some sea water, this beautiful beach home is a welcome destination at the end of this path.

by Frederick Stelle

In opposition to the surrounding wilderness, this contemporary wood, steel and glass structure is all about right angles and lines. From the perfect grid of the concrete driveway and garage door, to the strong lines of the siding and windows, this is definitely not your typical country house.

by Huettl Landscape Architecture

I really don't want to offend the architect, but this reminds me of a house made from Legos. The perfect little cubes work together to create a beautifully structured modern home. Driving up to this house out of the forest must be quite unexpected.

by Chang + Sylligardos Architects

Strong lines and lightness of materials make this home seem to float. The landscaping around the home seems to disconnect the driveway and foundation from the upper portion of the structure.

by Dick Clark Architecture

Again, California architecture comes through for us. While this home is within city limits, the way in which it is built speaks to the type of careful consideration one must take when building a contemporary structure in a wooded setting. This spectacular home is built with great care within a grove of grand trees. The garage side of the home barely peeks out, providing what must be a grand view from the living space above. The change in materials from the bottom floor to the two upper levels helps minimize the overall height and draw attention to the beautiful wood siding.

 houzz