2013 in Review | Our Favorite Outdoor Spaces

One of the defining concepts of modern architecture is the seamless integration of the outdoors into the design, and our 2013 tour homes embodied this aesthetic in an amazing variety of ways. Let’s look back on five of our favorite indoor/outdoor integrations from this year’s tours:

1)   Rooftop Deck, Austin TX

Is there anything better than sitting outside on a warm spring evening?  Probably not, but when you have this view of the Austin, TX skyline, you’ll want to be out there 24/7!

2)   Pool Pavilion, Houston TX

If you can’t go to the tropics, why not bring the tropics to you? Crystal blue water, palm trees, and even a surf board brought the Aloha spirit to Houston!

3)   Big Blue Sky, Taos, NM

Okay, so it’s not exactly a traditional front (or back) yard.  But when you can step out your front door and see forever, do you really need anything else?

4)   Treetop Mid-Century, Portland, OR

Situated deep in the forest on a sloping hillside, and featuring glassed-in front and back facades, this amazingly authentic mid-century gem feels like what might happen if “Modern” met “Treehouse.”

5)   Downtown Condo, Portland, OR

Okay, so it’s not REALLY the outside, but when you live in a city but crave the sand and surf, this isn’t a bad way to wake up on the beach every day!

All photos copyright jClark and Modern Home Tours.