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The 12 most innovative and beautifully designed buildings in 2019, according to architects

Aug 3, 2019, 19:47 IST

Bates Masi + Architects

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The design of a building can tell a story, bring a community together, or simply imitate societal trends.

With over one million new residential homes expected to reach completion in the US this year, there is a sweeping pool of new techniques, designs, and talent in the world of architecture.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), a nationally known organization for industry professionals, dwindled that pool of buildings down to 12 remarkable residential designs and named them the winners of the organization's 2019 Housing Awards. The annual Housing Awards program was established 19 years ago by the AIA. Each year, it recognizes the best residential architecture in new constructions, renovations, and restorations.

Read more: 31 architectural masterpieces everyone should see in their lifetime - from the largest mud-built structure in the world to a Beijing tower shaped like trousers

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This year's entries came from homes designed by licensed US architects as well as owners of residential projects that were completed after January 1, 2014.

The winners were recognized across four categories: one- and two-family custom residences; one- and two-family production homes; multifamily housing; and specialized housing. A jury of industry professionals evaluated how successfully each project met individual requirements along with its sustainability, affordability, social impact, innovation, durability, and ability to meet specific client needs.

Presented below, in no particular order, are the 12 winners of this year's 2019 Housing Awards.

The Bigwin Island Club Cabins are located on an island in Baysville, Ontario.

Source: American Institute of Architects

They were designed by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects and built to blend in with the woodland setting.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Arguably the most prominent part of the design is the Muskoka shingled roofs which, as described by the AIA, "appear to float on the grazing line that the deer have created in the forest."

Source: American Institute of Architects

In San Francisco, California sits the Bill Sorro Community, which houses 67 units for low-income families and developmentally disabled adults.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The building was designed by Kennerly Architecture & Planning.

Source: American Institute of Architects

It incorporates sustainable living strategies that target energy efficiency, air-quality, storm-water management, and grey-water re-use.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The Georgica Cove overlooks the ocean in East Hampton, New York.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Designed by Bates Masi + Architects, this home has a personal, guest, and public area that can be connected and divided by sliding doors.

Source: American Institute of Architects

As described by AIA, the design's soft-colored detailing "unifies the various spaces and responds to the local climate."

Source: American Institute of Architects

Over in Cambridge, Massachusetts, sits the Jefferson Park Apartments, which serves as an affordable housing unit for the local community.

Source: American Institute of Architects

It was designed by Abacus Architects + Planners and features four courtyards ...

Source: American Institute of Architects

... as well as a distinctive set of terraces, natural materials, and bright colors.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The Lofts at Mayo Park are located in Rochester, Minnesota.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The four-story, 29-unit residential project was designed by Snow Kreilich Architects.

Source: American Institute of Architects

It is located on the Zumbro River and is connected, through its details and structure, to the landscape around it.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The Mirror Point cottage is tucked away on a lake in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The 80-foot "fish shed" was designed by MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The design, as described by AIA, "demonstrates the frugality of the Nova Scotian vernacular in an elegant manner. "

Source: American Institute of Architects

Oak Park Housing in Sacramento, California, is a cluster of six single-family homes.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The homes were designed on a vacant lot by Johnsen Schmaling Architects.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The south facade of each building is made up of colorful vertical metal louvers.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Pierhouse in Brooklyn, New York sits next to the New York Harbor and Brooklyn Bridge.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Designed by Marvel Architects, it purposefully reinterprets the traditional Brooklyn Brownstone.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Public walkways throughout the building lead residents to the Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The San Joaquin Villages house more than 1,000 students at the University of California.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The building was designed by four architects and firms: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, Kevin Daly Architects, and Kieran Timberlake.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The project consists of a series of neighborhoods that promote architectural diversity and includes plazas, recreational facilities, and courtyard gardens.

Source: American Institute of Architects

Skyline Residence Hall is a 164-bedroom, 54,000-square-foot residence hall at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Source: American Institute of Architects

It was designed by William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The design redefines the traditional dorm-room layout by bringing the community together in informal gathering spaces and student kitchens.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The Tiny Tower in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 38 feet tall.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The purpose of the building, which was designed by Interface Studio Architects LLC, is to promote vertical living ...

Source: American Institute of Architects

... and reveal how smaller spaces can feel large in design and experience.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The Off-Grid Guesthouse sits on one of California's last undeveloped coastal areas.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The home was designed by Anacapa and Willson Design and is powered by a Photovoltaic energy system.

Source: American Institute of Architects

The building also boasts a green roof and sustainable materials like steel, concrete, and glass.

Source: American Institute of Architects

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