Exterior architecture refers to the design and aesthetic of the outer surfaces of a structure. It encompasses various elements, including the building’s facade, materials, shapes, textures, colors, and the overall visual appearance. Exterior architecture plays a crucial role in defining your home’s aesthetic.
We’re giving a round of applause to the architects who fully embrace a home’s natural surroundings when crafting the exterior architecture, seamlessly blending a range of design styles with the great outdoors. Situated among the trees, near deserts and bays, and even on small lots, these Luxe 2024 RED Awards-winning exteriors show that leaning into nature is always a good idea.
Get Inspired By The Stunning Exterior Architecture Of These Homes
An Awe-Inspiring Ozark Home With Modern Exterior Architecture Design
This Fayetteville, Arkansas, home embraces the Ozark landscape with an exterior that melds limestone, metal and plaster. Its hilltop perch captures breathtaking views and echoes the surrounding’s earthy tones.
Architect: Align Austin Architects | Austin + San Antonio, Texas
Photo: Chase Daniel
The House Exterior Design Architecture Seen Here Is A Real Cliffhanger Moment
Situated on the Oregon Coast, this home’s 150-foot-long glass façade cantilevers over a cliff, defying its challenging site and revealing captivating ocean views. Built with sustainable materials, the abode flawlessly blends with the marine environment for an immersive Pacific Ocean experience.
Architect: chadbourne + doss architects | Pacific Northwest
Photo: Jeremy Bittermann
Striking Magnolia Motifs Distinguish This Houston Home
A modern twist on midcentury design makes this home in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood stand out. Magnolia-leaf motifs, deep overhangs and complementary materials blend interior and exterior spaces, creating a balance between privacy and welcoming outdoor surroundings.
Architect: Dillon Kyle Architects | Houston, Texas
Photo: Chris Luker
Valley Views Surround This California Dwelling
The distributed spaces of this Healdsburg, California, abode reach into the surrounding forests and enjoy views overlooking the valley below. Nature flows between breezeways and covered outdoor spaces, creating an ambience that blurs the line between exterior and interior.
Architect: Field Architecture | California
The Exterior Architecture Design Of This Abode Makes It Blend Right In
Connected by a flat-roofed central corridor, the four gabled volumes of this Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, dwelling were designed to blend seamlessly with the outdoors. Oversize windows and doors frame the outdoor living spaces and surrounding meadow.
Architect: Hutker Architects | Falmouth, Massachusetts
Photo: Michael J. Lee Photography
Gothic Architecture Meets Americana Down On The Farm
This house, situated on a 400-acre organic farm just outside of Nashville, blends modern Americana with Gothic influences. Landscape designer Mike Kaiser and interior designer Teresa Palmer collaborated with Hudson Builders to create a unique architecture that captures both heritage charm and contemporary elegance.
Architect: McAlpine | Southeast
Photo: Simon Upton
Natural Touches Enrich The Modern Exterior Of This Dallas Abode
Mixing modern aesthetics with natural elements, this Dallas abode stands out in a historic garden enclave. Honed limestone, bronze screens and blond cypress siding seamlessly integrate indoor spaces with outdoor spaces that showcase garden vistas and a sports-car collection.
Architect: smitharc architecture + interiors | Dallas + Fort Worth, Texas
Photo: Nathan Schroder
A Palm Springs Getaway Oozes West Coast Charm
This Palm Springs, California, dwelling cultivates a profound connection with nature, perfectly blending indoor areas with a pool and mountain views. Durable materials and local artisan touches reflect a commitment to lasting beauty, as well as an accessible and sustainable design.
Architect: Studio AR&D Architects | Los Angeles-Southern California
Photo: Lance Gerber
Industrial Design Meets Desert Oasis
This modern house in Scottsdale harmonizes with its desert environment through stone, concrete and panoramic windows. Expansive glazing and an infinity pool blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Architect: Tate Studio Architects | Arizona
Photo: CJ Gershon Photography
Traditional Forms Mingle With Contemporary Elegance
Nestled in a wooded ravine, traditional gabled forms mingle with contemporary elegance in this Glencoe, Illinois, home. The exterior’s accoya wood siding, zinc roofing and full-height windows, complemented by a whitewashed “coffee house,” celebrate the serene landscape.
Architect: Wheeler Kearns Architects | Chicago, Illinois
Photo: Kendall McCaugherty
Gorgeous Gables Among The Meadows
Shou Sugi Ban gabled forms dominate this modern retreat situated in East Hampton’s tranquil setting. Soaring ceilings and expansive glass create a stylish, inviting ambience that highlights lush meadows and a stunning pool.
Architect: Workshop/APD | Greater New York
Photo: Read McKendree
This Small Chicago Home’s Exterior Architecture Takes A Walk On The Dark Side
While this 720-square-feet “urban jewel box” in Chicago may have a small footprint, its sloped roof provides utility and allows for maximum interior living space, including a full-sized kitchen island and open-concept living room.
Architect: Yu & Associates Collaborative | Chicago, Illinois
Photo: Angie McMonigal
Rocky Mountain Majesty
This property’s butterfly roof and floor-to-ceiling windows frame majestic views of Aspen’s peaks. Limestone textures, cedar siding and white oak soffits seamlessly blend with the mountainous setting.
Architect: Z Group Architecture & Interior Design | Colorado
Photo: Studio 27
Greenery Envelops This Miami Beach Pad
Tropical vibes combine with contemporary flair at this sprawling Miami Beach residence perched above Biscayne Bay. Lush courtyards, elevated planters, stone and wood materials peacefully connect to the bay-front setting.
Architect: Z.W. Jarosz Architect, P.A. | Florida
Photo: Samer Khoury
