New against old. Blocks of concrete and narrow recessed glass. Outward and in and the relationship between the two. Open plan extension to a Victorian era house where the new contrasts against the old. Internal walls of concrete are warmed by wood. It’s a restrained palette of concrete, black aluminium, stainless steel and oak. Glebe House by Nobbs Radford Architects.

Escape within the pages of a book and reality is suspended. The hours pass but you won’t notice. You’ll be in another time, another world, another body and if you are very, very lucky you’ll be in your own special reading nook. By Nobbs Radford Architects.

Is it possible not to want to leave the office when it is time to go home? Can you like a workspace so much that you just want to move in a bed and call it home? If my work environment looked like the Pensar offices designed by Brisbane architects Marc&Co I’d be one happy camper… or should that be resident.

I’ve changed my mind. I want to be here where the pool meets the rainforest. Perched in the hills of the Atlantic Forest in Guarujá on the São Paulo coast. The AMA house by Jacobsen Arquitetura.

Sitting snugly on the Gager marina on Rügen Island, Germany is a simple, stylish house that references its site, the history and construction of the boat houses that hug the shore. Think casual, natural materials, panoramas and light flooding in. Now think holiday rental. You’d find me sitting by the window mesmerised by the view. Strandwood House – modern, maritime style.