A Residence for Relaxation｜Custom-built homes by architecture firms5Picks｜A Home Where Mind and Body Unwind

At the end of the day, a residence in which body and mind can be gently relaxed provides the foundation for healthy living. In housing designed with an emphasis on relaxation, the careful accumulation of sensory‑attuned details is essential: warm, tactile materials; a soft lighting strategy; acoustical measures for sound absorption and insulation that quietly envelop the space; and generously proportioned bathrooms and thoughtfully composed washroom fittings. A tranquil retreat removed from external noise, an atmosphere warmed by natural materials, and wet‑room design that supports comfortable daily routines — the architectural practice combines these elements with the living circulation to shape homes in which relaxation arises naturally. Discover examples of residences that allow the mind to unfurl.

This residence is sited on the slope of an elevated hillside with views to the sea and mountains, and is conceived for a multi‑base lifestyle. Prompted by the increase in remote work, it was planned as a new base that accommodates both work and leisure. In addition to a study designed for focused work and dedicated spaces for meetings, the house provides flexible areas for family and friends to stay. The building employs natural materials such as timber and is situated to integrate with the landscape. Openings and vistas are composed according to programmatic requirements, allowing occupants to enjoy unhurried time with framed views of the sea and mountains.

A residence for a couple engaged in organic farming. The interior is arranged with an efficient, uncluttered circulation and exterior-facing openings to evoke a sense of seasonality. Interior and exterior finishes are wrapped in solid cedar and diatomaceous earth plaster, and exterior timber surfaces are treated with WoodLong Eco. External fenestration employs aluminum–resin hybrid sashes, while recessed door pockets, slatted screen doors and lattice frames are used to subdue the presence of industrial products. With a building envelope that meets basic performance requirements, a dehumidifying radiant heating and cooling system has been adopted to provide a year-round thermal environment that does not rely on conventional air conditioning.

This residence is designed for a couple—cat-loving makers engaged in craftsmanship—and their young child. Under the theme of a comfortable, calming home, the plan adopts a U-shaped arrangement that encloses a courtyard facing a vacant lot to the east. The configuration screens external views while admitting southern daylight deep into the interior. Internally, the layout accommodates feline circulation and clearly separates human and cat living zones, achieving a comfortable, low-stress environment for both.