Have a wooded lot? Time to build a forest book nook!

If you're in search of an inspiring live work home – a forest book nook – try these digs on for size! The Scholar’s Library in Olive Bridge, New York by local architecture firm Gluck & Partners is an unusual raised house plan surrounded by lush, leafy woods. This simple but striking space sits perched among the treetops, with a study space enclosed in windows at the top, and the actual library – housing approximately 10,000 books – tucked in the windowless area below. At the very top, a wafer-thin roof appears to be floating in thin air. The glass panels supporting it slide open for an in-nature ambiance. Measuring 20 by 20 by 20 ft., this cube house in the trees is a true forest retreat. Gluck & Partners.
photo credits: Paul Warchol, Gluck & Partners

Mountain Dream Cabin by John Maniscalco Architecture

For the nature and architecture enthusiasts out there, check out this mountain dream cabin by John Maniscalco Architecture. This sweet cabin, aptly dubbed the Sugar Bowl Residence, is a wonderful, earthy blend of natural cedar and glass – a natural complement to its woody surroundings. Perched on a concrete platform, this raised house plan sits about the snow, its lower wood-clad volume housing the sleeping areas, mudroom and utility areas. The upper floors feature expansive windows that floor the living areas with natural light while framing the stunning mountain views. Like the facade, interiors boast lots of natural wood on floors, walls and ceilings, and the piece de resistance is the wood staircase with the sculptural suspended light installation dangling down. Contact John Maniscalco Architecture to design Your dream cabin.
via Trends Now
photo credit: Matthew Millman

Hollywood Hills Contemporary Home – Sunset Plaza Villa

This Hollywood Hills contemporary home by architects David Thompson and Kevin Southerland of L.A.-based Assembledge studio is clearly inspired by the surrounding landscape. This hillside villa offering the perfect vantage point to take it in the breathtaking 180-degree views of Los Angeles. Set on a rare, flat parcel of land in this slope site, the house plan features simple geometric forms with a horizontal, low-profile silhouette. The integration of indoor and outdoor living rooms really brings a new level of living to this home. Whether on the ground or upper level, there is always an outdoor connection, be it via a walkout to the garden or pool, along the balcony encircling the upstairs, or even just by virtue of the massive glass walls and skylights enclosing the space while letting the outdoors in. The only toss-up of this contemporary home is which views are tops – those by day or the glimmering lights at night!