To begin our Review of 2025, Dezeen editor Tom Ravenscroft highlights 10 of the year’s most remarkable houses, showcasing a range of innovative designs, from a home reminiscent of a brutalist castle to one with a striking glass-brick façade.
This year, Dezeen has featured nearly 300 distinctive new homes from around the globe. These projects vary widely in style, scale, and the materials used, reflecting an impressive diversity in contemporary residential architecture.
The following 10 projects exemplify the range and quality of this year’s architecture. Do you agree with our selections?
The Wild House, India, by Earthscape Studio
Among several remarkable homes built in India this year, the Wild House in Tamil Nadu stands out for its sculptural, mud-plastered shell and its organic, cave-like interior spaces.
“The idea was to eliminate columns and beams to create a self-supporting structure with a seamless, fluid form—what we call ‘fold architecture’,” explains lead architect Petchimuthu Kennedy.
Find out more about The Wild House ›
Hedge and Arbour House, Australia, by Studio Bright
This award-winning Australian residence by Studio Bright features a combination of perforated metal screens and robust blockwork walls surrounding the home.
The screens are designed to gradually become covered with climbing plants, providing natural shading and privacy while still allowing light and ventilation into the living spaces.
“Our architectural approach is intentionally subdued, allowing the landscape to take precedence,” says Studio Bright principal Mel Bright.
Find out more about Hedge and Arbour House ›
Frame House, Portugal, by Pedro Domingos Arquitectos
Set atop a hill near Santa Bárbara de Nexe, this four-bedroom house is constructed entirely from board-marked concrete, lending it a fortress-like character.
Lisbon-based Pedro Domingos Arquitectos designed the house to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The home features expansive openings framing the landscape, multiple terraces, and a rooftop pool.
“Much like an ancient ruin, the design feels as though it has always belonged to the landscape,” says founder Pedro Domingos. “Each window captures a stunning view, whether of the land or sky, like a perfectly composed photograph.”
Find out more about Frame House ›
