Villa Escudero with the Waterfalls Restaurant

Villa Escudero is located in Quezon Province, Philippines, offering a vast hacienda filled with comfortable rooms, and a museum of curious things. Perhaps the most curious thing at the villa is the amazing Waterfalls Restaurant, where lunch is served against an impressive backdrop of thundering clear spring water. Grass fringed buffet stations and bamboo dining tables stand steadily in just inches of flowing river water from the sparkling falls, as it washes around the feet of diners enjoying delicious local dishes.
The experience of dining as water is running over your feet would certainly create a memorable holiday moment, and possibly one of your most unusual experiences ever, as they boast this “is a truly singular and memorable experience only Villa Escudero can offer.”

The rest of Villa Escudero is equally nature bathed, with stunning views from bamboo decks overlooking the still waterscape of Lake Labasin, and the tropical Philippine countryside.

The luxury resort offers the chance to paddle a native bamboo raft over the peaceful waters or, if you’d like to get back on dry land for a while, a tour of the rural village by jeepney; you can even learn how coconuts are harvested in Villa Escudero’s own plantation!

Stunning Underwater Hotel: The Water Discus

Deep Ocean Technology comes to life in the shape of this magnificent Water Discus Hotel proposed to be constructed in Dubai shortly. The structure would comprise of one underwater and one above-water disc, connected by three solid legs that are fixed to the sea bed, and a daylight filled vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway.

Guests are offered the dual opportunity of sleeping deep in the ocean, and bathing in the warm climate on the upper deck. Twenty-one hotel rooms are submersed in the center of a vibrant coral reef with enchanting views of sea life, illuminated with special lighting systems, and offer the use of miniature underwater vehicles equipped with macro photography, operated from your suite, to provide a closer look at the tiniest of creatures. A dive center allows guests to get up close in person, via an underwater airlock and decompression chamber that leads divers directly into the depths of the ocean.

An enormous swimming pool marks the centre of the futuristic sky disc, and adjacent satellites, accessed via glass-walled passageways that tunnel through the diving training pool, hold a restaurant, spa and special recreation area. More seawater swimming pools reside on the rooftop along with an exotic garden, whilst an indoor multifunctional lobby harbors screens that monitor the surrounding aqueous zone, including a peek at diving activities in real time.

Due to the innovative design comprising individual modules that can be detached and replaced with new ones, Water Discus can also be expanded into a bigger resort complex, and may be constructed and reconstructed anywhere in the world, creating opportunities to live underwater on a permanent basis in an unlimited string of locations.

Coastal Cottage Home: lovely waterfront retreat in UK

This small coastal cottage home sure is sweet! This vacation house located on the sea in Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom features three floors, each with an amazing view of these breathtaking surroundings through multiple windows, inspiring its residents and guests to get out into the great outdoors, sometimes without ever leaving the comfort of home. By night, this glass wall house is almost like a lighthouse - a beacon visible from many miles (or in the case across the pond, kilometres) around, and that which passersby are inevitable drawn to. This beach cottage is surrounded by trails leading right to the waterfront, and offers peace and privacy ideal for a true getaway. A small guest house with big style, this space accommodates eight and is available for rent.

Inner Courtyard House Plans: Jigsaw by David Jameson Architect

This inner courtyard house plan is an interesting design that takes you on a journey though indoors and out. The Jigsaw residence designed by David Jameson Architect certainly is a puzzling piece of architecture. This complex, contemporary style home is an introverted design, putting privacy at the forefront without sacrificing the views and nature. We love the way this interior courtyard house plan features its outdoor entertaining area at its heart, while the structure itself boasts alternating ribbons of wall and glass, letting natural light permeate every corner and blur the boundary between inside and out. Clerestory windows further floor the interiors with daylight without compromising privacy. The glass wall house is light, bright and airy - a wonderful way to celebrate the outdoors, even from the inside. 

Contemporary Mediterranean House: A Private Paradise

This contemporary Mediterranean house designed by Oded & Elizabeth Tal Architects is divided into a front and rear volume, separated by a massive glass wall. On the other side of the wall, a three-storey dining area enjoys plenty of natural light and views. A catwalk crosses overhead, offering an open view below. This curved roof home boasts ultra-modern furnishings, clean details and smooth finishes that reflect the home's abundant light and vibrant details. Four levels include a theater in the basement, the living areas and four ensuite bedrooms on the main, and a master bedroom on the fourth floor echoing the curve of the roof. Outside, a rear garden, pool and glamorously furnished outdoor entertaining areas let the lucky owners of this modern Mediterranean house enjoy the best of both worlds, indoors and out, in style.

Horizontal Architecture Houses - Cool, Contemporary Concrete in Portugal

This horizontal architecture houses an "industrial" exterior a surprisingly warm yet innovative interior - take the tour! Portuguese architect Jorge Mealha created this cool concrete and glass house with an eye toward the unconventional, ultra-contemporary forms. The concrete walls give the house an industrial edge, with modern lines and integrated outdoor living rooms, one overlooking a stunning pool feature. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall offers the house an indoor/outdoor feel, illuminating interiors with natural daylight. Inside, that signature industrial style is echoed in exposed concrete ceilings and walls. A staircase leads up, where a rooftop garden is the piece de resistance.

Takeshi Hosaka Architects Garden House

Takeshi Hosaka Architects Garden House is made for architecture and outdoor lovers alike, check it out! This innovative Japanese architecture firm never fails to impress us with its, interesting take on design and fearless approach to homes - particularly their indoor-outdoor designs. In particular, this interior courtyard house plan boasts a triangular shape, with every room inside overlooking this interior outdoors space through floor-to-ceiling glass Japanese sliding doors, maximizing privacy and the introverted views. Rooms are long and lean, like a hallway framing the central outdoor entertaining area. A rooftop deck offers a small but sweet spot to escape the busy city streets while overlooking them from afar. This Japanese house design leaves us screaming for more! photo credit: Sergio Pirrone, Homes DSG