Over the years a jumble of 19th century barns were moved and remodeled, added to and almost disappeared beneath new work. Owners came and went until the current occupants engaged architectural firm Christoff : Finio to add their layer to the buildings. That’s what so many old buildings are… layers. Layers of new work and old, layers of materials, layers of lives and layers of meanings. Creating a new home from this jumble of layers doesn’t always mean stripping back to basics. Sometimes it just means rationalising, reworking, rearranging and revealing to reveal the beauty.

It may take a lot of discipline to live the minimalist life (and in this case a lot of money) but, oh, how beautiful is the simple line, the intersection of positive and negative, boxes balanced on manicured lawns, glass walls throwing privacy to the wind. Austere luxury by AABE (Atelier d’Architecture Bruno Erpicum & Partners).

If I was a teenager and this was my room I’d never come out. OK OK. Most teenagers never come out of their rooms no matter what the room looks like but this is a special case. Trapeze skills anyone? Too cool for school. By New York based architects and designers Christoff : Finio.

A new build house is given a super dose of character and colour. Savannah, Georgia based Rethink Design Studio has taken a basically “nice” shell and created a fun family beach house. It’s about adding architectural details, personal pieces, splashes of colour and keeping everything light hearted and casual. Favourite bits? The bunk room on the first floor screened off with curtains. Great for kids and all those extra guests. Me? I”ll take one of the peaceful bedrooms. Sea glass colours have always been a fav.

If your weekend is hectic, like mine, take a little time to drink in the stillness of this beautiful house by London based architectural and design firm Atelier ChanChan. The repetition of herringbone brickwork, the neutral colour pattern, oak and marble, simplicity of line, the sense of cocooning in a private space. Unwind, relax, restore.