Modern CliffSide Villa by Oscar Shamamian

Architect Norman Foster has done a great residential architecture project of this 6,500-square-foot Modernist Cliffside Villa situated on a steep site overlooking the Mediterranean.

“The principal areas encompass five levels, with related living, dining and library spaces.” A glass elevator connects these levels to the bedrooms below and to the roof and pool terrace. On the rear wall, in the dining area, is an installation by Richard Long.

“The dining level is elevated above the living level and main terrace for clear, uninterrupted views out to sea,” notes Foster. Outdoor furniture by Dedon.

At the studio entrance is a reception space with a prototype table designed by the architect that explores residential diversity: The cube at the far end stores a compact office, complete with a fax, a printer and a computer. Beyond the terrace, interlocking cables are used to position canvas sunshades.

Dynamic steel arches that swoop over the pool terrace and down the hillside are gridded with the network of cables that “support sails for shade and privacy as well as encourage the growth of greenery,” Foster explains. “The materials, colors and detailing evoke a nautical feel.” Eventually, the house will be partially covered by vines, blending the structure into its rugged surroundings. Furniture, Richard Schultz.