When the Wallpaper* Architects' Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising more than 500 alumni) champions the best and most exciting young studios, showcasing inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm.

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026

This year's survey features 30 studios (in celebration of Wallpaper's 30th anniversary), which hail from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Ghana, Greece, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the US and Vietnam.

Place of Work, Canada

Based in Halifax and Toronto, this young studio, founded in 2022 by Jennifer Esposito, Duncan Patterson and Will Perkins, may still be emerging, but it has a range of ongoing projects across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. It consciously picks commissions that allow it to work very closely with clients and get stuck into the details, while discussions often come back to place. ‘Not as a romantic idea, but as a physical and cultural reality,' they say. ‘Architecture requires deep listening. Climate, topography, material culture and history are forces that shape our approach.

But place doesn't mean anything without people. Architecture begins with human ritual: how people wake, gather and rest.' One of its latest works, A House in a Meadow between the Forest and the Sea, is a retreat for a retired couple on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and the team drew from the site's conditions to elevate its proposal: ‘Light is treated as an orienting element. Clerestories bring in warmth, while north-facing openings frame views across the meadow. The architecture is shaped by site, climate and use – distinct from the landscape yet deeply tied to it.'

READ MORE HERE

placeofwork.ca

Mattaforma, USA

Founded by Lindsey Wikstrom, Mattaforma scooped the 2026 National Design Award for Emerging Designer from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum. The practice focuses on spaces centred on wellbeing, as well as environments that not only feel organic now, but also grow and adapt over time. Its Parkview Mountain House for Globizen, a city building company and community instigator, is a creative retreat on a forested hillside in Utah for writers, artists and scholars. The architects conceived the residence as a slender timber tower, with knotty cedar interiors, that reduces embodied carbon while creating the feeling of living among the trees.

READ MORE HERE

mattaforma.com

Diana Salvador, Ecuador

The landscape and a communion with nature are the biggest draws for Quito-based architect Diana Salvador, whose practice is driven by a quest for maximum efficiency, a desire for self-reliance, and a profound yearning to be able to build with her own two hands. Within this context, she adopts sustainable architecture principles, often working with eco-friendly materials and low-impact building solutions. ‘Minimising our ecological footprint within construction practices is perhaps the most genuine act of reverence toward nature and the future generations that will inhabit it,' she says.

Located amid subtropical foliage on the Galápagos island of Santa Cruz, Casa Sula is one of Salvador's key examples of respectful, sensitive building systems. The house was prefabricated in Quito over two months. Its components were then transported by sea, and the house was assembled in just 25 days. Smart passive cooling techniques were employed throughout to support the structure's bioclimatic behaviour. ‘What sets me apart is how I inhabit my role as an architect, delivering a housing solution without leaving a scar on the environment,' says Salvador.

READ MORE HERE

@diana_manzana_salvador

Ricehouse, Italy

Founded in Piedmont in 2016 by bio-ecological architect Tiziana Monterisi and Alessio Colombo, a geologist with a background in research and material innovation, Ricehouse transforms the by-products of the rice production supply chain into natural building materials for lower-impact living environments. At the end of their life cycle, the products created can be reused or returned to nature. Its single-storey house Casa LH, in Piedmont, is built using materials sourced from the rice supply chain and is conceived according to the principles of green building. Rice waste is used as insulation between the prefabricated fir panel walls, and external bamboo decking was installed for its durability. Inside, all furnishings, including the bed, table and sofa structure, were constructed from oak.

A mechanical ventilation system provides for heating and cooling, while the majority of the triple-glazed openings are located on the south elevation and feature a low-emissivity coating. A garden roof provides natural thermal regulation and filtration, and is a haven for biodiversity. Trees and plants, such as the existing wisteria, provide shading – this dies back in the winter to allow passive solar gain. The team's architectural approach is part of a wider biological and territorial system. ‘We work with materials often overlooked and transform them into building solutions with a strong environmental and cultural value,' they say. ‘What motivates us is the possibility of giving new value to a resource that is considered a waste.'

READ MORE HERE

ricehouse.it

Templeton Ford, UK

Based in London and Sussex, this studio, founded in 2025 by André and Jessica Templeton Ford, draws on vernacular architecture and craft traditions to create buildings that feel inseparable from their setting but have a distinct sense of character that enlivens everyday life. This often results in work that looks unexpected, yet as if it had always been there. Clay Rise, in Hoathly Hill, balances heritage and contemporary architectural expression by using traditional Sussex brick and a distinctive sloping roofline. The house is constructed from a prefabricated timber frame system and is embedded deep into the site, creating a slope to the rear and a dramatic curved form.

READ MORE HERE

templetonford.com

Hitotomori, Japan

Founded in 2019 in Nara, near Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest, by Yoshiaki Nagasaka, Hitotomori (a name with a dual meaning in Japanese: either ‘people and forest' or ‘one light') is located in a renovated, 140-year-old multipurpose machiya building with a small shop/café (run by Nagasaka's wife), a one-room hotel (run by the studio), and the architectural office of its small team of five people. Having worked for a large general contractor for almost 30 years, Nagasaka longed for more freedom and ‘the opportunity to pursue more creative projects in an environment where I could work closely with friends,' he says, describing his reasons for setting up his own practice. ‘This freedom is now the driving force behind my work.'

Completed in 2024, the House in Asuka is quintessentially Hitotomori. Designed over five months and built in six, the compact 65 sq m home sits on a corner site in the small village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. It is partly screened from the two roads by a simple wooden fence, above which only the tiled roof, required by local regulations, is visible. Concrete steps set in grey gravel lead up to a small porch and the front door. Inside, the interior is kept simple, with cedar floorboards, lauan doors and bespoke furniture, painted walls, and Hitotomori's original concrete tiles forming the kitchen splashback. Nagasaka added several small loft spaces, accessible by a staggered staircase in one location and a simple ladder in another, while lighting is provided by one of Nagasaka's collaborators, New Light Pottery, with its ‘Mob 26' wall lamp used throughout the space.

READ MORE HERE

hitotomori.net

Marilia Pellegrini, Brazil

Marilia Pellegrini set up her studio in São Paulo in 2016, having learned from some of Brazil's most prominent architects. ‘Gustavo Penna taught me poetry. The sensitivity of a project begins with the pencil stroke. Rene Gonzalez, a master of composition and trained by Richard Meier, taught me that no line exists on its own. He taught me to compose. Last but not least, Arthur Casas taught me balance – colour scheme, textures and materials, harmony – between curves and straight lines.'

Conceived as the ultimate urban sanctuary, Casa das Palmeiras, located in the São Paulo enclave of Alphaville, is a low-lying, single-storey, modernist-inspired volume, slightly sunken into the terrain and engulfed in greenery from a leafy garden framed by palm trees. Behind a relatively opaque street-facing exterior, a flowing, breezy interior unfolds, where indoor and outdoor living spaces blend seamlessly. A neutral, predominantly light-coloured surface palette underlines a softness inside and out, composed of beige stone and pale wood. The project includes four bedroom suites, a guest bathroom, a gym and an expansive, open-plan living space for relaxing, cooking and entertaining.

Read more about Marilia Pellegrini

mariliapellegrini.com

Civil, Bahrain/Kuwait

Founded in 2017, Civil is the brainchild of Ali Ismail Karimi and Hamed Bukhamseen, who ask what it means to ‘produce architecture in a decidedly uncivil time.' Sited in the suburban neighbourhood of Diyar Al Muharraq in Bahrain, House with Seven Gardens inverts the ancient courtyard typology of Gulf region houses, using the space created by mandatory plot setbacks to generate a series of miniature courtyard gardens, balancing privacy traditions with contemporary building codes.

Read more about Civil

civilarchitecture.org

Goy, Singapore

The Singaporean perspective is invaluable in the work of Goy Zhenru. ‘Years of working in Southeast Asia has shaped my belief in vernacular intelligence and regional specificity,' she says. ‘I design for the equatorial climate, drawing inspiration from local traditions while interpreting them in a contemporary voice.'

Namly, in Bukit Timah, was a 1950s single-storey house with important sentimental value. The family home's seven users were in need of more space, but the building's architectural features were much loved. Adding a sympathetic extension was key to the solution. Goy's strategy integrated a newly landscaped courtyard garden with a material palette of cement, sand tiles and brickwork, referencing the original design.

Read more about Goy

goyarchitects.com

Deroche Projects, Ghana

Civic, community-centred work sits at the heart of DeRoche Projects, the Accra-based studio founded in 2022 by Glenn DeRoche. Recent completions include the Backyard Community Club, a youth-focused community and sports centre in Accra's Osu neighbourhood, with an innovative rammed-earth structure. The studio is currently developing several residential schemes, both single and multi-family housing, explored with the same experimental spirit and eco-friendly materials as all past, more public-facing works.

Its Aburi Artist Retreat, a short drive from Accra, is a residential project idyllically set within seven acres of forest overlooking the leafy Akwapim Ridge. Conceived as a family of structures, the project negotiates its site's steep level changes while remaining discreet and organically embedded into its natural surroundings. The result is a campus of six pavilions of varying sizes, connected through pathways across the landscape, designed to encourage interaction with nature. The design consists of dwellings, space for artists' residencies, a wellness pavilion, a private gallery, a padel court and a productive farm. Large glazed expanses set on deeply recessed façades ensure both effortless visual and physical connections with the outdoors and shading to support thermal comfort indoors. Meanwhile, all primary materials, craft methods and labour have been sourced from within the country.

Read more about Deroche Projects

derocheprojects.com

Studio Mehta, Kenya

Amar Mehta founded his studio in his hometown of Nairobi in 2019, ‘driven by the idea of creating work that feels rooted in Kenya while pushing contemporary design forward through thoughtful detail, local materials and collaborative thinking'. Ua House, Mehta's own home, a 120 sq m residence set among rich foliage on the Kilifi coast, blends traditional Omani and Swahili design. All set on a single level, it involves a luxurious relationship with the outdoors through the presence of numerous outdoor areas. Mehta's goal was to showcase what can be achieved by clever decisions and a hyperlocal approach.

Read more about Studio Mehta

studiomehta.com

Solar.xyz, Spain

Founded by Pablo Canga and Ana Herreros in 2022, this young studio won the COAM Emerging Award in Spain in 2024, the same year its Casa Castelar project, a refurbished house in the 19th-century Madrid Moderno enclave, was completed just outside the Spanish capital. Blending old and new to craft a 21st-century family home, the studio added thermal insulation, aerothermal solutions and cross-ventilation where necessary, reducing the house's energy consumption by more than 70 percent.

Read more about Solar.xyz

solarestudio.xyz

Nwankpa Design, USA

Founded in Southern California in 2016 by Susan Nwankpa Gillespie, this studio creates spaces rooted in bold elegance, paying particular attention to the human experience and the power of storytelling. ‘Our approach is immersive and experiential, treating space as moments in a larger narrative that unfold as you move through it,' says Nwankpa Gillespie.

In Inglewood, California, a dress owned by Nwankpa Gillespie was the source of inspiration for Textile House 2, its colourful West African prints transplanted into an architectural form, uniting bold patterns with minimalism. The façade mimics that of the neighbouring houses – two pitched gables with one framing a porch and the other a picture window. On closer inspection, exterior brick patterns take a graphic quality, as the solid black offset brick contrasts with the soft grey mortar, similar to a woven textile. Towards the rear, the house adopts a more modern language, with wider gables framing two distinct entrances to the residence's living spaces and the primary bedroom. Inside, the brick pattern continues through the flooring, allowing spaces to seamlessly flow into one another, divided only by colour and materiality.

Read more about Nwankpa Design

nwankpadesign.com

Farid Karim, UK

Farid Karim, who founded his studio in 2021 in London, gravitates towards creating spaces with ‘strong identities that emerge from close collaboration with clients, careful attention to context, and a deep engagement with materials.' The biggest influence on the studio is the relationship between architecture and craft, drawing inspiration from Art Deco and modernist interiors, and contemporary art. Karim's approach is further enhanced by an active artistic practice, with work exhibited at past Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions. This fusion of art, architecture and design informs a philosophy that values spatial experience and material expression.

Deco House, in West London, eschews the more subdued, contemporary extensions of terraced homes in favour of a bold, neo-art deco style. The design increases the original floorplan from around 100 sq m to 170 sq m, through the loft and rear ground floor addition and summer outhouse, as well as a reconfiguration of space internally. Drawing on Art Deco references, the extension plays with colour, texture and materiality, using glazed ceramic tiles, brass fixtures and timber finishes, complemented by marble worktops, to create a warm, cohesive finish. The landscape of the garden also plays a role – an existing koi pond was integrated into the design as well as a curvy summer house, used as a home office – with the entire project showcasing the studio's keen interest in ‘how materials age, how light interacts with surfaces, and how carefully considered details can enrich everyday life.'

Read more about Farid Karim

faridkarimdesign.com

Atelier KO, Benin

Osvaldo Gounon and Kemi Amede founded Atelier Ko in 2022 to help improve the architectural landscape in West Africa, and the team is inspired by local culture, materials, climate and ways of living. Benin itself is the strongest influence on their practice, but they are also driven by ‘the need to reinterpret local know-how in a contemporary way, so that our projects are not nostalgic, but anchored and relevant.' For their Maison Itan project, the restoration of a traditional Afro-Brazilian house, the façade was renovated and finished in a pink Siena earth coating. Bespoke timber joinery was employed for the columns, decking and screening, while the roof was covered in terracotta tiles that complement the façade's pink hue.

READ MORE HERE

atelier-ko.com

Moyésoa, Ivory Coast

Founded by William Tailly and Natacha Djédjé in 2024, Moyésoa translates to ‘house of happiness' in the Baoulé language, embodying an essence imbued into every aspect of their work. The studio, which will be representing Ivory Coast at the inaugural Pan-African Architecture Biennale, seeks to ‘reveal the beauty of local materials and forgotten construction knowledge while responding to contemporary ways of living.'

Its Pavilion Essoa is an eco-lodge built on the edge of a lagoon, surrounded by botanical gardens. Inspired by tropical vernacular architecture, the villa is designed around ecological and bioclimatic principles, combining modularity, self-sufficiency and contemporary design. Rammed earth walls and terracotta floors regulate indoor temperatures, while wooden screens, with removable plexiglass panels, allow for natural ventilation and thermal insulation. The villa is powered by solar panels and also features a private well for water. The architects say, ‘Instead of importing architectural languages, we reinterpret local construction traditions through modern spatial thinking, refined detailing and carefully crafted atmospheres.'

READ MORE HERE

@moyesoa

Dehli Grolimund, Switzerland

Founded by Christian Dehli and Andrea Grolimund in Zurich in 2019, this studio is driven by curiosity and a belief in architecture's afterlife. The late Japanese architect Kazuo Shinohara remains a key influence, and its reconstruction of his Umbrella House shows the studio at its most forensic. Originally built in Tokyo in 1961, it was saved from demolition and relocated to the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, in 2020. The studio oversaw the reconstruction with scholarly precision, from site positioning to materials, colours, documentation and possible future uses.

READ MORE HERE

dehligrolimund.com

Othmane Bengebara Studio, Morocco

This studio was founded in 2020 by French-Moroccan architect and designer Othmane Bengebara, who has contributed to prestigious projects from royal residences to global Louis Vuitton flagship stores, under the direction of Peter Marino. Recent studio projects include the scenography for the Uzbekistan Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, and it is currently planning a private aviation facility in Morocco for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

DDAR House, in Essaouira, is a minimalist villa conceived as both a private retreat and a place for gatherings. The house is made up of interconnected spaces, a sequence of living areas and bedrooms, and each one has a distinct atmosphere and maintains a close relationship with the landscape. The restrained palette allows the architecture to sit quietly within the setting. The house also takes a sustainable approach, using passive ventilation, solar energy and water management systems.

READ MORE HERE

@othmane.bengebara

Dharq, Chile

Founded in 2019 in Santiago by Patricio Huidobro, Dharq is motivated by the question of how architecture can enable habitation in territories where infrastructure is scarce or absent. The studio is interested in how minimalist structures can organise space and climate to support daily living.

Chile's Casablanca Valley is just 30km from the Pacific Ocean, welcoming sea breezes and a refreshingly cool climate. Nestled in this coastal valley is Sliding Doors House (Casa Corredera), a single-family dwelling surrounded by pine forests and agricultural land. Dharq explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor living through the installation of 22 sliding panels. These sliding doors help regulate light, ventilation and privacy. The structure takes on a form similar to a pavilion. Its lightweight timber form is topped by a galvanised steel roof, which is suspended on concrete piers, allowing it to be raised above its context. When the panels are opened, the residence becomes an open space, fully immersed in the environment. Says Huidobro, ‘The architecture operates less as a fixed object and more as a climatic device capable of modulating transparency, air and views throughout the day.'

READ MORE HERE

dharq.cl

In Sinu, France

Founded in 2024 by Cassandre Verdier and Elena Cadouin, and based between Paris and Barbizon, In Sinu means ‘within the folds', a phrase that reflects its philosophy. ‘More than in situ, we seek to create an architecture that settles within the folds of a territory to establish a meaningful relationship between place and project.' Maison de l'Orée, nestled in woodland in Barbizon, is clad in ochre-toned timber, which mirrors the site's pine trees and foliage. Inside, the natural material palette continues with oak joinery and a sandstone fireplace. A brushed stainless steel kitchen island adds a contemporary touch, as well as reflecting both daylight and the shifting shadows of the trees.

READ MORE HERE

insinuarchitectes.com

Pensaer, UK

Based in London, and founded by Rhys Howell Owen in 2020, Pensaer (Welsh for ‘lead craftsman') focuses on a collaborative approach, working with skilled makers and craftsmen to make every space seem effortless and memorable. ‘At the start of every project, we ask clients: “What is your architecture?”,' says Howell Owen. ‘This opens up a conversation about how someone lives, what they value, what materials they are drawn to, and what kind of spaces feel right for them.' Born from a desire to create a ‘warm and welcoming' feeling for his clients, Clay House, in Peckham Rye, boasts a new extension that provides multiple pockets for putting one's feet up, as well as a muted colour palette of warm oak joinery and concrete flooring. A kitchen skylight filters light throughout the space, dappling walls with rays of sunshine.

READ MORE HERE

pensaer.london

Kaviar, India

Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani studied architecture in Mumbai, then at New York's Pratt Institute, before setting up Kaviar. From characterful Mumbai cafés to home interiors that balance personality with practicality, you won't find them following trends. Secluded upon its own peninsula, House by the Lake, in Kamshet, Maharashtra, has been imagined as a series of ‘viewing galleries' that accentuate the serenity of the water, with the architects describing it as ‘a vessel to reunite with nature'. Stone-clad walls ground the house in the landscape, with concrete and wood bringing texture to the minimalist interiors, while soaring ceilings and vast windows give an airy feel.

READ MORE HERE

@kaviar.collaborative

Local Local, Greece

Founded in Athens in 2022 by Sofia Xanthakou, after completing degrees at New York's Pratt Institute and Harvard, Local Local keeps away from transient trends, preferring to use fluidity and intuition as key tools. ‘Architecture, for me, is a rewarding, iterative journey rather than just an end product,' says Xanthakou. ‘I love the process of design, starting from an idea or rough sketch and seeing it come to life after lots of hard work, meticulous planning, and a good amount of trial and error. I've learnt not to view failure as a setback but as a necessary step in the evolution of my practice. Design isn't a linear process, and I find that so fulfilling.'

Plaka House, in the ancient Athenian neighbourhood of Plaka, is a fitting example of Xanthakou's work. The reimagining of a 19thcentury neoclassical townhouse, on a narrow stone-paved alley, draws out the area's character and the original building's features, bringing them into the 21st century. Living spaces, bedrooms, guest and staffrooms, an office and a tranquil courtyard span across two levels, clad in an almost entirely white palette across walls, ceilings and joinery. The ground level's typical Athenian terrazzo flooring was uncovered and restored, while light grey solid oak was used on the upper floor bedrooms, underlining a warmer, more private space. A rooftop terrace, offering views across the city to the Acropolis, is an added bonus.

READ MORE HERE

localocal.org

Høyer, Denmark

Thomas Høyer, who founded his studio in 2022 in Ebeltoft, Jutland, works on a variety of projects that explore architecture's relationship with nature. The studio's House in Ebeltoft project exemplifies how gentle architectural construction and a preference for organic materials can offer a result that is friendly to its natural surroundings. Placed gently on a high plateau formed of ancient glacial meltwater valleys and hills during the last ice age, this modest timber house is defined by its prominent roof with deep overhangs and a central atrium that connects users with the tree canopy and sky above.

READ MORE HERE

hoyerarkitektur.co

Exutoire, Vietnam

Founded in Oslo in 2019 by Paul-Antoine Lucas and Bui Quy Son, the now-Hanoi-based studio works across design, building, curating, teaching, writing and publishing, with subjects ranging from queer methodologies and transnormativity in public space to housing rights and collective life. They will co-curate the Luxembourg Pavilion at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale with Céline Zimmer. Their first book, Housing, Micropolitics, and Pedagogies: Designing and Practising Collectivity, was published by Ruby Press in 2025. They are especially drawn to renovation and adaptation, treating existing buildings as evidence of social life rather than raw material for erasure.

22YB1 is Exutoire's house and studio in central Hanoi. It renovates an early-1990s tube house, the long, narrow housing type that shifted state-subsidised living to the market-oriented real estate sector following Vietnam's 1986 economic reforms. The plot is only 3m wide by 12m deep, across three and a half storeys, presenting a compact urban condition with familiar problems: darkness, poor ventilation, limited durability. Exutoire's intervention is surgical. The staircase moves from the middle to the rear; rooms open up so air and light can travel. The front façade keeps traces of the old house, while the rear is rebuilt in glass brick for ambient light. New windows and an open stairwell improve cross and stack ventilation. The material palette has a useful bluntness: granito, raw concrete, galvanised steel, corrugated metal, white paint, yellow tiles, royal blue cabinets and lacquer-red handrails.

The ground floor hosts Exutoire's studio; above, the house is arranged for non-nuclear living, guests and friends. A bas-relief on the façade marks its address and completion date, giving the renovation a civic note as well as a domestic one.

READ MORE HERE

exutoireexutoire.com

Various Associates, China

From a skatepark in Qinhuangdao to an Adidas flagship in Seoul, the work of Various Associates is indeed varied. As well as architects, the Shenzhen-based studio, co-founded by Qianyi Lin and Dongzi Yang in 2017, also employs artists, material engineers, and graphic and experience designers, resulting in spaces where architecture, art and technology are blended and experiential potential is endless.

Gong's House, in Yongjia, is designed for the families of six siblings, and its challenge was to consolidate cross-generational needs and a rural-urban divide of lifestyles. Spacious rooms are linked and layered with open connections, while natural light and countryside views flow in through the abstract composition of windows that pepper the façade.

READ MORE HERE

various-associates.com

Syn, Saudi Arabia

Founded in 2018 by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi, Syn looks to create buildings that are contextually aware. The pair are the co-founders of saudiarchitecture.org, which aims to research and archive modernist and postmodernist buildings in Saudi Arabia, and have also established the Um Slaim collective, a critical investigation into the displacement of vernacular Najdi architecture. In Najd, traditional houses are built from mudbricks, while the roofs and doors are made from tamarisk wood. Using this as inspiration, Syn created Project Orion, comprising three villas, as a contemporary response.

Located in Riyadh, the three villas showcase how openness, light and outdoor living can coexist with seclusion. Each was carefully situated to allow in natural light, while balancing selective views. The limestone façade highlights the fortress-like silhouette, which merges into the landscape, and instead of the typical jutting-out balconies, terraces are carved into the building's mass, providing both privacy and shade. Imbued with a sense of cool sturdiness, as well as a play of shadow and light, Project Orion feels deeply rooted in place while offering a contemporary slant to the city's landscape.

READ MORE HERE

syn.sa

Fineline, New Zealand

Founded by Magdalena Garbarczyk and Mathew Hay in Aotearoa in 2021, Fineline holds to a simple principle: keep only what's necessary, choose materials that age honestly, and resist anything added for show. For its Sharlands House, in the South Island town of Nelson, the studio captures the natural rhythms of daily life without any whistles and bells. The timber-lined space creates cosy cocoons to retreat to, while the kitchen feels like a warm embrace when it glows in the late afternoon sun.

READ MORE HERE

finelinearchitecture.co.nz

MGAO, Australia

Founded in 2016 by Matt Goodman, MGAO likes to strip back complex project briefs and inject them with a minimalist simplicity. For the Olive Street Cabin, perched on a hillside in Separation Creek, Victoria, he faced a challenging client – himself. The modern fibro beach shack is designed to reinstate the character of the region's houses lost in a 2016 bushfire. A contemporary take on 1950s holiday cabins, this single-storey rectangular volume is robust and bushfire-safe, constructed from Colorbond steel, blackbutt timber, and Barestone cladding, while the back window wall frames the ocean. Every detail serves the sole purpose to enjoy the views.

READ MORE HERE

mgao.com.au

Studio Khoa Vu, US / Vietnam

Khoa Vu founded his practice in 2023. Moving towards international work sparked an interest in how spatial traditions evolve through daily life, weather, and material economies. Many of his projects begin by studying spatial heritage, such as overlooked building types and vernacular houses. ‘Working between the US and Southeast Asia offers a distinctive vantage point,' he says. ‘The studio navigates rapidly changing urban conditions while remaining attentive to vernacular intelligence and cultural continuity.'

Lunar Cavern, in Ho Chi Minh City, is a perfect example of a residence grounded in culture and climate. The studio worked alongside its musician-artist client to transform a duplex residence, using the moon and its cycles as the main source of inspiration. The interior flows with smooth, curved plastered walls, which create a cave-like atmosphere.

Inspired by the bright side of the moon, the entrance hall and living area feature dynamic double-height ceilings, arched detailing and rough-textured surfaces speckled with sunlight. Upstairs, the dark side of the moon casts its shadowy influence. Up a spiral staircase is a moody, Venetian-red studio space designed for deep thinking. The darkness offers comfort, rather than austerity, inviting creative introspection and an intimate retreat from the city. Carved openings layer light, shadow and depth while framing selective views toward the Saigon River.

READ MORE HERE

khoavu.com

The Aotearoa New Zealand-based practice Fineline Architecture makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios from around the world.

Who: Fineline Architecture

‘A good project should help someone live a little better while asking as little as possible of the planet to do it,’ explain architects Magdalena Garbarczyk and Mathew Hay, founders of the Aotearoa New Zealand-based practice Fineline Architecture. Since its foundation in 2021, the firm has held itself to one simple standard: keep only what's necessary, choose materials that age honestly, and resist anything added for show.

‘We're motivated by the idea that architecture has to earn its place, both for the people who use it and the ground it sits on,’ says Garbarczyk and Hay. ‘We treat every commission, regardless of scale, as a chance to test that idea again.’

The practice is rooted in its unbroken connection to place, coupled with curiosity and the desire to continue researching ideas, as Hay explains: ‘Magdalena spent nine years in academic research before returning to practice, and we've stayed intentional about keeping research inside the work rather than leaving it at the university door.

‘It shows in how we test ideas: every project has to answer three questions before it's allowed to stay as it is. Is it necessary? What happens if we take it out? Can it be less? What survives that process tends to be quieter, more honest about its materials, and built to last rather than to impress.’

The duo works a lot with natural and bio-based materials, from using raw earth as a finish to straw and timber as a structure. They continue to experiment, testing what these materials can actually do rather than treating them as decoration. ‘That research keeps steering our work toward buildings that wear their age well, instead of ones that depend on constant upkeep to look right,’ they explain.

What: Sharlands House

Nestled in the artsy town of Nelson, on New Zealand’s South Island, sits Sharlands House – a renovation project by Fineline Architecture. Here, the architects considered natural materials and light to craft a new kitchen, which is both functional yet refined, equipped with a central island to entertain around.

Other rooms that were reconfigured as part of the project are the laundry, bathroom, and connecting circulation spaces. This was achieved by moving walls to simplify movement through the home.

This new layout funnels light across the residence, which helps underline its organic material palette. Its simplicity shines through. The studio manages to capture the natural rhythms of daily life without adding unnecessary bells and whistles. The timber-lined spaces create cosy cocoons to retreat to, while the kitchen feels like a warm embrace when it glows in the late afternoon sun.

Sustainability is at the residence’s core. Solid timber and plywood were threaded throughout, chosen for durability and warmth. The whole project evokes a sense of familiarity, as if everything is as it should be. As if it has always been there.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

finelinearchitecture.co.nz

Critical spatial practice Exutoire sees architecture as one instrument among several. Founded in Oslo in 2019 by Paul-Antoine Lucas and Bui Quy Son, the now Hanoi-based studio works across design, building, curating, teaching, writing and publishing, with an interest in social, spatial and material justice. Its subjects range from queer methodologies and trans-normativity in public space to housing rights and collective life.

Who: Exutoire

Lucas and Son are both HMONP-licensed architects in France and are pursuing Practice Research PhDs at RMIT University. They have taught at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, TU Darmstadt, Chulalongkorn University and RMIT Vietnam, and will co-curate the Luxembourg Pavilion at the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale with Céline Zimmer. Their first book, Housing, Micropolitics, and Pedagogies: Designing and Practicing Collectivity, was published by Ruby Press in 2025.

‘We’re driven by the idea that architecture and society intimately inform and influence each other,’ they say. In built work, that becomes a preference for what the duo call ‘straightforwardness, robustness, and fun’: minimal interventions, durable materials and room for lived reality to remain visible. They are especially drawn to renovation and adaptation, treating existing buildings as evidence of social life rather than raw material for erasure.

What: 22YB1

22YB1, completed between 2023 and 2025, is Exutoire’s house and studio in central Hanoi. It renovates an early-1990s tube house, the long, narrow housing type that evolved when state-subsidised living shifted to the market-oriented real estate sector following Vietnam's 1986 economic reforms (known as Đổi Mới). Here, the plot is only 3m wide by 12m deep, across three and a half storeys; a compact urban condition with familiar problems: darkness, poor ventilation and limited durability.

Exutoire’s intervention is surgical. The staircase moves from the middle to the rear; transverse partitions disappear; rooms open up so air and light can travel. The front façade keeps traces of the old house, while the rear is rebuilt in glass brick for ambient light. New windows and an open stairwell improve cross and stack ventilation.

The material palette has a useful bluntness: granito, raw concrete, galvanised steel, corrugated metal, white paint in different gloss levels, yellow tiles, royal blue cabinets and lacquer-red handrails. The ground floor becomes Exutoire’s studio; above, the house is arranged for non-nuclear living, guests and friends. A bas-relief on the façade marks its address and completion date, giving the renovation a civic note as well as a domestic one.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

exutoireexutoire.com

Based in the United States, Mattaforma is a young practice joining the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our newest round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios from around the world.

Who: Mattaforma

Mattaforma bridges the gap between nature and architecture, blending a research-based approach to design with a deep interest in and understanding of ecosystems and the world beyond human-made construction. Founded by Lindsey Wikstrom, who is also the author of Designing the Forest and Other Mass Timber Futures (Routledge, 2023), the practice scooped the coveted 2026 National Design Award for Emerging Designer from the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.

The architect explains: ‘When you build with living materials, the building gives something back: cleaner air, stored carbon, a connection to the natural world that changes how people enjoy life in a space. Architecture is one of the few disciplines that can make ecological intelligence physical, tangible, livable, intimately known; and one of the few disciplines that can have an incredible impact on our carbon footprint as a species by choosing regenerative materials.’

From plant-based components to spaces centred on wellbeing and passive energy approaches, Mattaforma focuses on environments that not only feel organic now, but also grow and adapt over time. ‘I am influenced by traditional localised building practices and building science, and inspired to mix that intelligence with contemporary typologies, new definitions of nature and native-ness, and new ways of being in the world,’ says Wikstrom.

What: Parkview Mountain House

Conceived as a creative retreat within nature, Parkview Mountain House was a commission for a house that serves an artists’ residency programme for Globizen, a city building company and community instigator. Winkstrom and her team were called upon to craft a house for the business’s first-ever artist-in-residence programme, where writers, artists and scholars come, spend time and work in the forested setting of this Park City, Utah site.

The sloped site is engulfed in Wasatch firs. Within this leafy setting, the architects conceived the residence as a slender timber tower containing stacked guest rooms and communal areas. Strategically placed window boxes become extended desks, where work and natural context can converge. Knotty cedar-board interiors and a structure made of lightweight timber that reduces embodied carbon while highlighting the wooded context reinforce the feeling of living among the trees.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

mattaforma.com

Nwankpa Design is a young practice that makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Nwankpa Design

Based in Southern California, Nwankpa Design creates spaces rooted in bold elegance, paying particular attention to the human experience. Since its founding in 2016, the architecture and interiors firm has taken an immersive approach, from structure to furniture and custom details.

‘Our approach is immersive and deeply experiential, treating space as moments in a larger narrative that unfold as you move through it,’ shares Susan Nwankpa Gillespie, principal architect and founder of the firm. ‘The result is environments whose depth reveals itself gradually, feeling transformative to inhabit.’

The firm specialises in creating holistic residences, intending to craft beautiful spaces. ‘At the heart of everything we do is a desire to create more beauty in the world, a beauty that is living and meaningful. We are driven by the celebration of culture, the richness of heritage, and the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when tradition meets technology. Every project is an opportunity to expand expression and connection,’ says Nwankpa Gillespie.

While beauty is the heart of a project, culture and storytelling are its foundations, as the founder notes, ‘We are endlessly inspired by the visual languages of cultural heritage, patterns, craft, and memory held in material, all reinterpreted in a contemporary vocabulary.’

What: Textile House #2

In Inglewood, California, a dress was the source of inspiration for Textile House #2. An item Nwankpa Gillespie owned, its West African textiles and colourful prints were transplanted into an architectural form, uniting minimalism with bold patterns.

Its front facade mimics that of its neighbouring environment, with two pitched gables, with one framing a porch and the other a picture window. On closer inspection, the facade is an amalgamation of texture and drama. Exterior brick patterns take on a graphic quality, as the solid black offset brick contrasts with the soft grey mortar, similar to a woven textile.

Towards the rear facade, the house adopts a more modern language, with wider gables framing two distinct entrances to the residence’s living spaces and to the primary bedroom. The interior continues the brick pattern throughout the flooring, allowing spaces to seamlessly flow into one another, divided only by colour and materiality.

Parallels are drawn between fashion and architecture through lines and materials, creating a layered relationship between them, breaking the boundaries between architecture and other creative practices.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

nwankpadesign.com

Operating between the United States and Vietnam, Studio Khoa Vu is a young practice that makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Studio Khoa Vu

Architect Khoa Vu founded his namesake practice in 2023, spanning architecture, interiors, and spatial installations. Studio Khoa Vu’s aim is to explore architecture as a ‘space between structure, atmosphere, object, and environment’. The practice operates between teaching, research, and built work, allowing ideas to move fluidly between experimentation and construction.

Khoa Vu grew up in Vietnam. Moving towards international work sparked an interest in how spatial traditions evolve through everyday life, weather, and material economies. Many of his projects begin by studying spatial heritage, such as overlooked building types and vernacular houses, and ask how these ideas might be reinterpreted today.

‘Working between the United States and Southeast Asia also offers a distinctive vantage point,’ says the architect. ‘The studio navigates rapidly changing urban conditions while remaining attentive to vernacular intelligence and cultural continuity.’

The biggest influence on the studio is the traditional houses in Southeast Asia, as they were developed over generations. This resulted in sophisticated responses to climate, and the material economy. Coupled with this, the practice works between architecture and art, creating projects that are culturally rooted, yet also balance contemporary exploration.

What: Lunar Cavern

Lunar Cavern in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a perfect example of a residence grounded in culture and climate. The studio worked alongside their musician-artist client to transform the 150-square-meter duplex residence.

The moon and its cycles were the main source of inspiration. The interior flows with smooth, curved plastered walls, which create a cave-like atmosphere. The residence, which is divided across two floors, also manifests itself in two distinct design identities.

Inspired by the bright side of the moon, the entrance hall and living area invite openness and light throughout. It is a gentle interplay of dynamic movement and height with fluid curvature and double-height spaces. The arched detailing draws the eye in, raising a magnifying glass to the rough-textured surfaces speckled with sunlight.

Upstairs, the dark side of the moon casts its shadowy influence. Up a spiralling staircase, visitors will discover a moody, Venetian-red studio space designed for deep creative work. The darkness offers comfort, rather than austerity, inviting creative introspection and an intimate retreat from the city. These carved openings layer light, shadow, and depth while framing selective views toward the Saigon River.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

khoavu.com

London-based studio Templeton Ford joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios from around the world.

Who: Templeton Ford

Templeton Ford is an architecture and design studio founded in 2025 by André and Jessica Templeton Ford. The practice designs distinctive homes and buildings that are rooted in their landscape, history and culture. Their work draws on vernacular architecture and craft traditions. The team enjoy working on projects that feel inseparable from their setting: buildings that could only ever have been built where they are.

'We are interested in architecture that reveals itself gradually: buildings whose qualities emerge and evolve through daily use,’ they explain. The duo wants to create architecture that is memorable, rewarding to inhabit and deeply connected to its place.

Aside from their interest in place and materiality – working particularly with timber, brick, stone and lime that weather and age to create unique patinas, Templeton Ford also wants its buildings to be expressive and joyful, and to create places with a distinct sense of character that enliven everyday life. This often results in work that looks unexpected, yet entirely natural in its setting – as if it had always been there. 'We are inspired by the tradition of the Gesamtkunstwerk – the idea that architecture, interiors, landscape, furniture and craft can be conceived as parts of a coherent whole.'

What: Clay Rise

Clay Rise is a three-bedroom home in West Sussex completed in 2024 that balances heritage and contemporary architectural expression by using traditional Sussex brick and a distinctive curved sloping roofline. The house is constructed from a prefabricated panelised timber frame system and is embedded deep into the site to establish a split-level arrangement. This has the dual effect of creating a deeper slope to the rear, creating a dramatic curved form.

The building is oriented to optimise solar gain and shading, with a deep south-facing window allowing low winter sun to penetrate, while limiting summer overheating. Effective cross-ventilation is achieved via operable east-west openings, and a central stair atrium acts as a thermal chimney, drawing warm air upward to maintain comfort year-round. An air-source heat pump provides efficient heating and hot water, complemented by high levels of insulation and double-glazing.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios – a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

templetonford.com

London-based studio Farid Karim joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios from around the world.

Who: Farid Karim

Farid Karim founded his namesake studio in 2021 in London, working at the intersections of art, architecture and design. For Farid Karim Design, the name of the game is to go beyond functional problem-solving for its clients, motivated by the belief that ‘everyday buildings should be capable of enriching daily life through atmosphere, craft and delight.’

The practice creates spaces with ‘strong identities that emerge from close collaboration with clients, careful attention to context and a deep engagement with materials’. Be it a residential or a retail interior, the goal for the studio is always to produce timeless environments that feel deeply personal and distinctive to their clients.

The biggest influence on the practice is the relationship between architecture and craft, drawing inspiration from art deco, modernist interiors, traditional craftsmanship and contemporary art. The studio is also fascinated by contemporary manufacturing techniques, joinery, metalwork, and upholstery, which often act as a point of departure in the early design stages.

Karim’s interdisciplinary approach is further exemplified by an active artistic practice maintained alongside the studio, with work exhibited at past Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions as well as other independent shows. This combination of architecture, art and design informs a creative philosophy that strongly values spatial experience and material expression.

What: Deco House

Deco House is a London project that eschews the more subdued, contemporary extension styles of terraced homes in favour of a bold, neo-art-deco-inspired design full of character. The design increases the original floor plan from around 100 sq m to 170 sq m through the loft extensions, rear ground-floor addition and summer outhouse, as well as a reconfiguration of space internally. Drawing on art deco references, the extension plays with colour, texture and materiality, from glazed ceramic tiles and brass fixtures to timber finishes complemented by marble worktops, creating a warm, cohesive finish.

The landscape of the garden also plays a role in the extension, with an existing koi pond being integrated into the design as well as the circular summer house used as a home office. This project is an exemplar of Farid Karim Design’s interest in ‘how materials age, how light interacts with surfaces and how carefully considered details can enrich everyday life’.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

faridkarimdesign.com

London-based studio Pensaer makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Pensaer

Pensaer is the Welsh word for ‘lead craftsperson’, which seemed a suitable fit for architect Rhys Howell Owen when he founded his firm in 2020. Staying true to its name, Pensaer creates architecture that is rooted in making, skill, and material understanding.

Pensaer focuses on a collaborative approach, working with skilled makers and craftspeople to make every space seem effortless and memorable. ‘At the beginning of every project, we ask our clients a question: “What is your architecture?”’, explains Howell Owen. ‘It’s not something most people expect to be asked, and often the answer isn’t clear straight away. That’s exactly the point. The question opens up a conversation about how someone lives, what they value, what materials they are drawn to, and what kind of spaces feel right for them.’

From here, the project becomes a journey of exploration. The practice enjoys brainstorming and planning until the result feels inevitable, as the solution is gradually excavated through the process. ‘It’s rarely something we could have predicted at the start. This shared discovery means we can look back on our projects and see the client’s personalities within them,’ shares Howell Owen.

What: Clay House

In London’s Peckham Rye, Clay House boasts a new extension that balances natural elements and sculptural detailing. Pensaer collaborated closely with the sustainability-conscious client to create a residence where the owner's personality and desire to create a ‘warm and welcoming’ feeling are felt throughout.

The studio leaned towards a muted colour palette of warm oak joinery and concrete flooring. The skylight fitted above the kitchen filters light throughout the space, dappling the walls. The smooth joinery here extends to an angular window seat, a perfect alcove in which to sit, unwind and feel connected to the garden.

‘Even though we work as architects, we think a lot about how things are actually made,’ explains Howell Owens. ‘We’re interested in the intelligence that exists in craft, particularly in materials and techniques, as well as in the experience of the people who work with their hands every day.'

He continues: 'A small adjustment suggested by a craftsperson, or a new way of working with a material, can completely shift the direction of a design.’

The extension was designed to provide multiple pockets in which to linger and relax as you move through the house. Every finish or detail offers a reminder of the craftsmanship that makes Clay House a soothing urban haven.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

Pensaer.london

Dehli Grolimund, a Zurich-based practice founded in 2019 by Christian Dehli and Andrea Grolimund, is a multidisciplinary studio with a scholarly appetite, working across architecture, research, publishing and preservation. It’s also among the exciting emerging studios spotlighted in the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

Who: Dehli Grolimund

Dehli, a Swiss-Norwegian architect, and Grolimund, a Swiss architect, both studied at ETH Zurich under Christian Kerez, having also worked at practices in Zurich, Basel and Tokyo during their studies. Dehli later joined Herzog & de Meuron, assisted Christian Kerez at ETH Zurich and taught at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, while Grolimund became part of Zurich practice BS+EMI, where she has been an associate since 2021.

Their practice is driven by curiosity, but also by a belief in architecture’s afterlife: how buildings are studied, redrawn, translated, repaired and kept in circulation. ‘We are motivated by the desire to learn something new every day – through travel, encounters, and research,’ they say. Books, archives, libraries, conversations and direct experience of buildings all feed into their work, with the duo often beginning projects ‘without a fixed budget or predefined outcome’, trusting intuition and uncertainty as part of the process.

The late Japanese architect Kazuo Shinohara remains a key influence, not only for the poetic geometry of his houses but for his independent-minded approach to domestic space. Dehli and Grolimund published Kazuo Shinohara: 3 Houses in 2019, a study of three of Shinohara’s houses with plans redrawn to a shared scale. They later edited the first English-language translation of Shinohara’s Residential Architecture.

What: Umbrella House

Their reconstruction of Shinohara’s Umbrella House shows the practice at its most forensic. Originally built in Nerima, Tokyo, in 1961, the 55 sq m timber house is one of the last remaining examples of Shinohara’s First Style: a small domestic world held beneath one roof, the ‘umbrella’ of its title. Its near-square footprint, just 7.50m by 7.50m, contains little more than the essentials, yet the house has the force of a manifesto.

Saved from demolition, Umbrella House was documented, measured, dismantled, repaired and relocated from Tokyo to the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany, between 2020 and 2022. As co-architects and architectural consultants, Dehli Grolimund oversaw the reconstruction with scholarly precision, from site positioning and the building application to materials, colours, documentation and possible future uses.

The plan remains compact but spatially generous: a bathroom, a main room and a tatami room, gathered beneath an umbrella-like timber roof rising to 4m. A bamboo screen divides living and dining areas, while fusuma sliding doors with gold-leaf paintings by Japanese painter Setsu Asakura separate the tatami room.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios – it’s a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

dehligrolimund.com

Goy Architects, an emerging practice from Singapore, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Goy Architects

Singapore architect Goy Zhenru draws on her country’s diversity and rich history to create designs that blend culture, craftsmanship and material exploration – the small, southeastern Asian nation’s perspective is invaluable in her work, she says: ‘We see ourselves designing with a unique point of view from Southeast Asia. We want to be able to showcase this rich geographical, cultural and material diversity in our region.’

The same context is what forms her constellation of influences, she explains: ‘Years of working in Southeast Asia have shaped our belief in vernacular intelligence and regional specificity. We design for the equatorial climate, drawing inspiration from local traditions while interpreting them in a contemporary voice. Our hope is that every space we create resonates with a quiet sense of place, culture, and care.’

Her decade-long experience as an independent practice has resulted in a broad portfolio of works, which includes examples of restoration and adaptation of existing building fabric, as well as some new built and interiors projects, peppered with furniture work for specific clients.

Meanwhile, rediscovering traditional and new materials from the region becomes a fun challenge for the architect, she adds: ‘This enables us to tell stories through materials. Our design process is deeply collaborative, often involving regional craftsmen to co-create bespoke elements such as tiles, furniture, and artworks. We regularly visit workshops to understand their capabilities and develop prototypes — even outside of active projects — building a growing library of regional materials and supporting small-scale makers along the way.’

What: Namly

An existing, 1950s single-storey house with important sentimental value for this project’s client was an important starting point for Namly, a project in a residential enclave within the Bukit Timah neighbourhood. The single-family home’s users, a group of seven - including three adult children, a stay-in helper, and visiting relatives - were already living in the building but were in need of more space.

At the same time, the building’s architectural features, from colourful mosaic flooring to patterned metal window grills and varied plaster finishes, were much loved by the client and important to restore and keep. Adding an extension that would be sympathetic to the original property and maintain its historic charm was central to the design solution. Goy’s strategy integrated a newly landscaped courtyard garden with a new material palette of cement, sand tiles, and brickwork referencing the original grill design. The perforation offers both privacy and ventilation between spaces.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

goyarchitects.com

Solar.xyz, an emerging Spanish practice, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Solar.xyz

This young Spanish studio, founded in 2022, is a partnership between architects Pablo Canga and Ana Herreros. The duo’s strength lies in their ability to combine professional design practices with academic, teaching and editorial work - their research project ‘The Architectures of Repair,’ for instance, looks at the intersection between research and practice and focuses on the socio-ecological transformation of pre-existing structures.

‘We like challenging the disposable paradigm of contemporary building culture, proposing an architecture that is both historically conscious and technologically agile – an architecture that treats sustainability as an ethical commitment rather than a mere technical upgrade,’ they say.

‘One of the biggest influences is the text “The As Found and the Found” written by Alison Smithson and Peter Smithson, central figures in postwar British architecture and members of Team 10. In this text, the Smithsons explore the idea of the “as found” as an attitude toward architecture and urbanism. Rather than imposing rigid, idealised designs, they advocate for engaging directly with the existing conditions of a site—its materials, social patterns, and everyday realities.’ They view the relationship between craftsmanship and technology in construction as more of an ecological method of designing rather than the ‘nostalgic versus progressive’ framing that the debate often gets.

Having received the top gong at the Chamber of Architects Emerging Award 2024 in Spain, among several other accolades, it is obvious the pair are going places. Their first project together, Casa Castellar, exemplifies their approach.

What: Casa Castelar

Casa Castelar is a refurbishment and redesign project of a private home, part of a larger 19th-century development just outside the Spanish capital. Titled Madrid Moderno, the scheme originally comprised ninety-six houses inspired by the notion of the garden-city, yet just fourteen of them remain as the neighbourhood went through a redevelopment phase in the 1970s.

Solar.xyz was called upon to refresh the structure, blending the old and the new to craft a 21st-century family home. Their approach centres on maintaining older features through modern interpretation, while adding bioclimatic strategies and systems to ensure the building responds to contemporary climatic needs. Thermal insulation, new joineries, aerothermal solutions, and the optimisation of cross ventilation were all carefully considered and added where necessary. The result? They reduced the house’s energy consumption by over 70%.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

solarestudio.xyz

Syn Architects in Saudi Arabia makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Syn Architects

Focusing on ecologically sensitive architectural design, Syn Architects was founded in 2018 by Saudi architects Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi. The creative duo looks to create buildings that are contextually aware. Each project’s aesthetics are extracted from nature, and express the beauty of where each material is found.

While working to create innovative designs that contribute to the collective urban environment, Alissa and Alsudairi have also established the Um Slaim collective, a critical investigation into the displacement of vernacular Najdi architecture in central Riyadh. They are also the co-founders of saudirchitecture.org, an independent organisation that aims to research and archive modernist and post-modernist buildings in Saudi Arabia.

‘We are curious about how people live and how space can quietly shape everyday life,’ share Alissa and Alsudairi. ‘We are motivated by the idea that spaces should not only perform well, but also create a sense of atmosphere and belonging.’ Together, they examine a place, the people and climate, and let these conditions inform the design, they explain: ‘This process allows us to create spaces that feel thoughtful, contextual and quietly distinctive.’

What makes their work stand out is the understanding that a project will evolve based on its cultural, environmental, and material contexts. By not imposing a predetermined style, they create spaces that feel rooted and timeless.

What: Project Orion

In Najd, the central part of Saudi Arabia, traditional houses are built from mudbricks, while the roofs and doors are made from tamarisk wood. Using this as inspiration, Syn Architects created Project Orion. Rather than a single residence, the project comprises three villas and is a contemporary response to traditional architecture.

Located in Alkhozama, Riyadh, the residences embody spatial values, using privacy as the driving factor to shape how the homes are inhabited. As a result, the projects showcase how openness, light, and outdoor living can coexist with seclusion.

Three main volumes were carefully situated to allow natural light throughout the interiors, while balancing selective views. The complex’s limestone facade highlights its fortress-like silhouette, which merges into the landscape.

Say the architects: ‘We strive to challenge the architectural process by finding alternative approaches to creating environments that are mixed, inclusive, and accessible, where different people can get together.’

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

One of the project’s key adaptive and contextual solutions is its recessed balconies. Instead of the typical jutting-outwards form these features usually take, here, terraces are carved into the mass of the building, providing both privacy and shade. Balancing a sense of cool sturdiness, as well as a play of shadow and light, Project Orion feels deeply rooted in place while also offering a contemporary flair to the city’s landscape.

syn.sa

Othmane Bengebara, an emerging architect and his studio in Morocco, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Othmane Bengebara Studio

Othmane Bengebara Studio is a multidisciplinary architecture and design practice founded in 2020 by French-Moroccan professor and architect Othmane Bengebara. Bengebara studied at the École Spéciale d'Architecture in Paris and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. He has contributed to prestigious projects from royal residences to global Louis Vuitton flagship stores, under the direction of Peter Marino.

Othmane Bengebara Studio works across residential, cultural, hospitality and exhibition projects and moves fluidly between architecture, interiors and scenography. Whether designing a private residence, an exhibition or an infrastructural facility, the studio seeks to create spaces that are both emotionally resonant and inspired by everyday details. ‘I am motivated by the dialogue between art and architecture and by the discovery of new disciplines within each project,’ says Bengebara. ‘Architecture, for me, is a continuous search for beauty — a transversal exploration that moves across disciplines, cultures, and scales.’

Othmane Bengebara Studio has completed residential, cultural and exhibition projects across Morocco and internationally, including the scenography for the Uzbekistan Pavilion presented at the 2024 Venice Biennale. The Casablanca/Paris- based studio is currently planning a private aviation facility in Morocco for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and continues to expand its international practice.

What: House Ddaar

Completed between 2023 and 2024 in Essaouira, Morocco, House Ddaar is a minimalist villa that reflects the Studio's ability to evoke emotion through architecture. Set within a 25-acre agricultural site overlooking the surrounding countryside, the 300 sq m residence was conceived as both a private retreat and a place for gatherings. It allows for moments of introspection while remaining welcoming to guests.

The house is made up of sections of interconnected volumes, a sequence of living spaces, gallery-like rooms, bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area and bar – each one has a distinct atmosphere and maintains a close relationship with the external landscape. A natural, restrained palette allows the architecture to sit quietly within the setting. It uses passive ventilation, solar energy and water management systems, which contribute to a sustainable approach. Local artisans add interest throughout the project in the crafted doors, furniture and objects displayed in the property.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

OthmaneBengebara.com

Studio Mehta, an emerging practice from Kenya, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Studio Mehta

Following studies in San Diego and London, and work experience in the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany, architect Amar Mehta founded his namesake studio in his hometown of Nairobi in 2019. Working on everyday projects but always aiming for extraordinary results, the emerging studio takes inspiration from every project’s layers of ‘place, culture and climate,’ and of course ‘the individual who will ultimately inhabit the space,’ he adds.

'Our motivation comes from a simple belief – that architecture should respond honestly to place, people, and culture. We are driven by the idea of creating work that feels rooted in Kenya while pushing contemporary design forward through thoughtful detail, local materials, and collaborative thinking.'

'What keeps us going is the process itself: working closely with clients, artisans, and consultants to shape spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply lived-in and meaningful. As a studio, we’re motivated by curiosity, by challenging conventional ways of building, and by the pursuit of architecture that balances ambition with responsibility – spaces that feel timeless, human, and quietly impactful.’

His residential work is informed by climate, culture, craft, and the realities of building in Kenya – while the architect strives to balance global influences with a hyper-local vocabulary of materials and features, and a site-specific approach that will eventually lead him to confidently build his own language.

What: Ua House

Ua House, Mehta’s own home, is set among rich foliage in the country’s precious Kilifi coastline. The architect was conscious of his construction’s carbon footprint, so he made a decision to mitigate as much of it as he could – using, for example, salvaged limestone blocks from pool excavations from nearby sites, abandoned quarry dust as the predominant binding agent, and more recycled materials sourced from the area.

The result is a 120 sqm home that blends traditional Omani and Swahili design heritage. All set in a single level, it involves a luxurious relationship with the outdoors through the presence of numerous outdoor areas – including courtyards of various sizes (the entrance sequence features a key one) and a pool terrace. His goal was to showcase through this design what can be achieved by clever decisions and a hyperlocal approach. It’s all about ‘accessible sustainability,’ he says.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

studiomehta.com

Hitotomori joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 - welcome this young Japanese practice to our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Hitotomori

Hitotomori (a name with a dual meaning in Japanese: either ‘people and forest’ or ‘one light’) is a small Japanese studio founded in 2019 by Yoshiaki Nagasaka. The office is in Nara, at the edge of the Kasuga Primaeval Forest, in a renovated, 140-year-old multipurpose machiya building with a small shop/cafe (run by Nagasaka’s wife), a one-room hotel (run by the studio), and the architectural office of its small team of five people.

Having worked for a large general contractor for almost 30 years, Nagasaka longed for more freedom and ‘the opportunity to pursue more creative work in an environment where I could work closely with friends,’ he explains, describing his reasons for setting up his own practice. ‘This freedom is now the driving force behind my work,’ he continues.

Spanning a wide variety of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, Nagasaka’s no-frills design approach and clever use of ordinary materials have attracted quite a following, keeping the small studio constantly busy with several projects running simultaneously.

Nagasaka’s main influences are the architecture of Alvar Aalto, the thinking of Louis Kahn (‘Structure is the giver of light’ and ‘Even a common, ordinary brick wants to be something more than it is’), and the work of his friend and fellow architect Taro Tsuruta of Tsuruta Architects in London.

What: House in Asuka

Completed in 2024, the House in Asuka is quintessentially Hitotomori. Designed in about five months and built in six, the compact 65 m² home sits on a corner site in a protected area of the small village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. It is partly screened from the two roads by a simple wooden fence, above which only the tiled roof, required by local regulations, is visible. Simple concrete steps set in grey gravel lead up to a small landing and the front door.

Inside, the interior is kept simple, with cedar floorboards, lauan doors and bespoke furniture, painted walls, and Hitotomori’s original concrete tiles forming the kitchen splashback. To make the most of the modest 65 m² footprint, Nagasaka has added several small loft spaces, accessible by a staggered staircase in one location and a simple ladder in another. Lighting is provided by one of Nagasaka’s close collaborators, New Light Pottery, with its Mob 26 bracket light used throughout the space.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

hitotomori.net

Moyésoa, an emerging practice from Côte d'Ivoire, joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Moyésoa

Hailing from Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Moyésoa is an architecture and design laboratory founded by William Tailly and Natacha Djédjé in 2024. The studio’s name translates from the Baoulé language as ‘House of Happiness’, and embodies an essence imbued into every aspect of its work and reflected in the founders’ belief that ‘architecture should strengthen the relationship between people, climate and place’.

Tailly leads on creative and architectural direction, with a particular focus on earth construction, lime finishes and reclaimed materials, while Djédjé brings a sensitivity to landscape, planting strategies and developing projects as a ‘coherent ecosystem rather than a standalone building’. Together, in their work, they seek to ‘reveal the beauty of local materials and forgotten construction knowledge while responding to contemporary ways of living’.

For Moyésoa, the construction site is much more than just a place to build on. Rather, it's a site for architects, designers, and local artisans to come together to research, experiment, and share site-specific knowledge that alchemises local materialities and craftsmanship into timeless spatial designs. The pair explain, ‘Every project is an opportunity to create spaces that feel calm, lasting and deeply connected to their environment.’

Moyéoa will be representing Côte d’Ivoire at the upcoming Pan-African Architecture Biennale, which launches in early September 2026, feeding into broader Pan-African conversations as to how African architecture can respond to contemporary design challenges.

What: Pavillon Essoa

Essoa Pavilion is an eco-lodge built on the edge of a lagoon, surrounded by 7,500 sq m of botanical garden, offering an ‘immersive residential experience’. Inspired by tropical vernacular architecture, the villa is designed around ecological and bioclimatic principles, combining self-sufficiency, modularity and contemporary design. Planted courtyards link the independent volumes of living areas, to create a porous, breathable and smooth circulation between inside and outside. Rammed-earth walls use ancient technology to regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat fluctuations, while terracotta floors and kitchen counters combine durability and elegance.

Wooden screens, with removable Plexiglas panels allow for modularity between natural ventilation and thermal insulation. The villa is powered by solar panels, and even features a private well for water. Each piece of furniture, and even the tableware, has been custom-designed by Moyésoa, with Ivorian craftsmanship and design knowledge at the core.

On what sets them apart, the architects explain: ‘Instead of importing architectural languages, we reinterpret local construction traditions through modern spatial thinking, refined detailing and carefully crafted atmospheres.’ The Essoa Pavilion is just one embodiment of this design motivation.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

@moyesoa

Ricehouse, an emerging practice from Italy, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Ricehouse

Founded in 2016 by Tiziana Monterisi and Alessio Colombo, Ricehouse is an Italian company working at the intersection of architecture, material R&D and circular economy. Monterisi is an architect with experience in bio-ecological architecture. Her long-term collaboration with the artist Michelangelo Pistoletto deepened her approach to the relationship between art, territory and social responsibility. Colombo is a geologist with a background in research and material innovation.

The team transforms by-products of the rice production supply chain, which include husk, straw and other agricultural residues, into natural building materials for healthier, lower-impact living environments. Their materials and products include thermal insulating plasters, lightweight screeds, and prefabricated panels. These solutions provide high-performance insulation that are breathable, durable, that naturally support thermal regulation and indoor air quality. At the end of their life cycle, they can be reused or returned to nature.

Ricehouse’s architectural approach is part of a wider biological and territorial system. ‘What motivates us is the possibility of giving new value to a resource that is considered a waste,’ they explain. ‘We work with materials often overlooked and transform them into building solutions with a strong environmental and cultural value.’

What: Casa LH

Casa LH is a single-story house that sits within natural parkland in Piedmont, Italy. The new-build property features materials sourced from the rice supply chain and is conceived according to the principles of green building. Rice waste is the material used as insulation between the prefabricated fir panel walls. Externally, bamboo decking was installed to reflect the existing surroundings and for its durability. Inside, all furnishings like the bed, table and sofa structure were constructed from oak.

A mechanical ventilation system provides for heating and cooling while the majority of the triple-glazed openings are located on the south elevation and feature a low-emissivity coating. The house has a garden roof that serves as an example of natural thermal regulation and filtration, it is a haven for biodiversity. Trees and plants such as the existing wisteria provide natural shading – this dies back in the winter to allow passive solar gain.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

ricehouse.it

Kaviar Collaborative, an emerging practice from India, joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Kaviar Collaborative

Creative duo Kasturi Wagh and Vineet Hingorani combined the first two letters of their names, plus ‘architecture’, to arrive at their studio name ‘Kaviar’. The pair both studied architecture in Mumbai, then at New York’s Pratt Institute (class of 2020). Wagh, who was obsessed with Lego as a child, describes herself as ‘energetic and selectively extroverted’, whilst Hingorani is a detail-driven perfectionist and a cinephile.

Together, they share a future-focused outlook, attuned to designing for contemporary lifestyles and anticipating the needs of tomorrow. What grounds them is an interest in the phenomenology of space: how strong lines, smooth curves, natural textures or geometric voids can guide our sensory experiences. ‘Architecture is the manifestation of the five senses in a built form,’ they say.

From characterful Mumbai coffee shops and restaurants, to home interiors balancing personality and practicality, you won’t find them following formulas or trends. Each project tells a context-led story of people, place, culture and climate. In the end, Kaviar Collaborative’s enduring aim is to facilitate social connections through architecture, ones that become meaningful relationships – because for them, that’s ultimately what life is about, and it’s the most rewarding part of their own practice too.

What: House by the Lake

Near the scenic village of Kamshet, in the Maharashtra region of India, this lakeside holiday house has been imagined as a series of ‘viewing galleries’ that accentuate the daily serenity of the water. Secluded upon its own peninsula, the monolithic architecture forms a simple, floating frame, which subtly guides inhabitants towards the lake with its sloping roof. The architects describe it as ‘a vessel to view and re-unite with nature’.

Whilst sleek and contemporary, two stone-clad walls ground the house in the landscape, with local stone, exposed concrete and reclaimed wood bringing texture to the minimalist interiors. A statement staircase twists through a series of generous leisure spaces – for yoga, games, reading, dining and praying – with soaring ceiling heights and vast floor-to-ceiling window spans. With six en-suite bedrooms and a long outdoor pool, this house is a place for relaxing together and reconnecting with nature.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

@kaviar.collaborative

Local Local, an emerging practice from Athens, Greece, joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Local Local

With projects in the UK and a main base in Greece, this young studio, founded in 2022 by architect Sofia Xanthakou, has its headquarters in Athens and has worked across residential and cultural projects. Aiming to interpret context and its sense of place and history, instead of blindly replicating an existing condition, the practice is adept at crafting works that effortlessly merge old and new, following a holistic approach that brings together outside and in, past and present.

Keeping away from transient trends, the architect prefers to use fluidity and intuition as her key tools in uncovering the right response for each project and condition – alongside a strong sense of visual impact. ‘Architecture, for me, is a rewarding, iterative journey rather than just an end product. It’s this feeling of continuous change and adaptiveness that I find motivating. Even outside of the profession, I like to be constantly evolving and growing as a person, there’s always more to learn,’ says Xanthakou.

‘I love the process of design, starting from an idea or rough sketch and seeing it come to life after lots of hard work, meticulous planning and design, and a good amount of trial and error. I’ve learnt not to view failure as a setback but as a necessary step in the evolution of my practice. Design isn’t a linear process, and I find that so fulfilling.’

What: Plaka House

A house in the ancient Athenian neighbourhood of Plaka is a fitting example of Xanthakou’s work. The renovation and reimagining of a neoclassic townhouse from the 1800s set on a narrow stone-paved alley draws out the area’s character and the original building’s features, bringing them into the 21st century.

Communal areas, bedrooms, guest and staff rooms, an office and a courtyard span across two levels. An almost entirely white, monochromatic palette across walls, ceilings, and joinery supports light travelling into all rooms, in what was previously a dark, enclosed interior. The ground level’s typical Athenian terrazzo flooring was uncovered and restored, while light grey solid oak was used on the upper floors’ bedrooms, underlining a warmer, more private space. A roof terrace at the very top, offering views of the Acropolis and the roofscape beyond, is a key centrepiece.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios – a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

localocal.org

The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026 adds DeRoche Projects to its roster of exciting emerging architecture studios to know now. Meet the practice, based in Accra, Ghana, and explore one of its projects.

Who: DeRoche Projects

A key tenet of Glenn DeRoche’s practice is sustainability, which is centred on a proactive, highly mindful approach. He writes: ‘Sustainability isn’t approached as a checklist; it’s deeply embedded in our design process. Our projects don’t just minimise environmental impact, they actively foster ecological and social resilience through regenerative materials, passive design strategies, and resource-conscious construction methods.’

With this ethos at its heart, the Accra-based studio, founded in 2022, has slowly expanded its portfolio across almost all sectors – residential, cultural, and commercial. Civic, community-centred is a particular forte. The firm was widely recognised for its Backyard Community Club, a tennis training facility and community hub in Accra; dot.ateliers | Ogbojo, a residency for writers and curators in Accra; and Surf Ghana Collective in Busua (the last two created together with Juergen Strohmayer).

The studio is currently developing several residential schemes, both single- and multi-family housing, with the same experimental spirit and embrace of eco-friendly materials as in its more public-facing works.

What: Aburi Residence & Retreat

Conceived as a family of structures spread across the mountainous topography of Aburi, a short drive from Accra, this residential project is idyllically set within seven acres of forest overlooking the leafy Akwapim Ridge. The project negotiates its site’s steep level changes while remaining discreet and organically embedded into its natural surroundings. DeRoche explains: ‘The project understands the mountainside not as an obstacle to be overcome, but as a collaborator in the making of architecture.’

The result is a campus of six pavilions of varying sizes, connected through pathways across the landscape, designed to encourage interaction with nature. The design consists of a private residence, space for artists’ residencies, a wellness pavilion, a private gallery, a contemplative pavilion, a paddle court, an ancillary building, and a productive farm.

Large glazed expanses set on deeply recessed façades ensure both effortless visual and physical connections with the outdoors and shading to support thermal comfort indoors. Meanwhile, all primary materials, craft methods and labour have been sourced from within the country. For instance, the buildings are made using low-carbon concrete that incorporates locally produced pozzolanic ash as a replacement for cement.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

derocheprojects.com

In Sinu Architectes is a French firm that makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: In Sinu Architectes

Focusing on renovation and rehabilitation, In Sinu Architectes takes a truly holistic approach with each of its projects. The studio, based between Paris and Barbizon, was founded in 2024 by architects Cassandre Verdier and Elena Cadouin, who embrace architecture, interior architecture, and design as different expressions of a single project.

Their research begins with a careful study of the context, from landscape and history to any existing structure and their clients’ ways of inhabiting space. The result is a portfolio of meaningful projects that enhance the natural qualities of their respective locations.

‘Each project is an opportunity to reveal the qualities of a site, an existing building, or a landscape,’ explain the architects. ‘We are interested neither in mimicry nor in autonomous formal gestures. What matters to us is the dialogue between architecture and its context: sometimes through continuity, sometimes through contrast, always through a relationship that enhances the perception of both.’

The pair are motivated by architecture’s ability to transform the way people use a place over time, how every element and detail finds its place. ‘Our design practice naturally extends our architectural approach. We place the same importance on designing a building as we do on designing a table or a light fixture. This continuity of vision lies at the heart of our identity,’ say the duo.

The name of the practice, In Sinu (meaning ‘within the folds’), reflects this philosophy. ‘More than an in situ architecture, we seek to create an architecture that settles within the folds of a territory – sometimes through continuity, sometimes through contrast – to establish a meaningful relationship between place and project.’

What: Maison de l'Orée

Before drawing, the architects first seek to understand a place: its light, topography, materials, history, and how the finished structure will be lived in. These elements become the project's primary material. This was no different for Maison de l'Orée, a project nestled amid woods in Barbizon.

The project emerged from a simple gesture following the client’s acquisition of the woodland adjacent to the plot. The architects reoriented the house towards this forest, centring the residence within its context, rather than it being on the edge looking in.

The residence boasts an organic material palette of ochre-toned timber cladding, which mirrors the site's pine trees and foliage. Inside, the natural material palette is continued. From oak joinery and bespoke cabinetry to a fireplace of hand-cut Fontainebleau sandstone – the same stone that is found in the surrounding forest – each detail is considered.

A brushed stainless-steel kitchen island adds a contemporary touch and also reflects both daylight and the shifting shadows of the trees. The commission also required furniture, with bespoke built-in pieces and freestanding elements to align with the design codes of the residence.

Say the architects: ‘Our approach is holistic. As architects, we conceive each project in its entirety, from its relationship to the site through to the design of the furniture and objects that inhabit it.’ Much like their ethos, Maison de l'Orée is a residence where interiors and architecture intertwine – with each other and with their context.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios – a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

insinuarchitectes.com

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 welcomes Diana Salvador, a young architect, and her studio in Ecuador are joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Diana Salvador

Quito-based architect Diana Salvador’s practice is driven by a desire for innovation and functionality – on various levels. ‘When I think of architecture, I think of tectonic and constructive efficiency in every possible sense. With each new project, I dedicate myself to rethinking the way I design and, consequently, the way I build. I focus on a workflow that provides certainty and absolute control over performance, time, utility, and expenditure. This data allows me to make strategic decisions rooted in a genuine concern for the impact a building generates,’ she explains.

‘This is not an isolated pursuit. My personal quest for maximum efficiency is deeply linked to a desire for self-reliance – not out of arrogance, but from a profound yearning to be able to build with my own two hands. The reality is that for women in this profession, survival is an active, daily endeavour. I have accepted [...] to forge my own way of conceptualising a project, resulting in a practice that is more human, intimate, and accessible.’

Within this context, she adopts sustainable architecture principles, often working with eco-friendly materials and low-impact construction solutions. Her efforts have won her the National Award in Minimal Architecture at the Pan-American Architecture Biennial of Quito (2020) and a finalist position at the UIA 2030 Awards in Paris (2022).

‘What truly matters in the end is coherence and professional responsibility. Minimising our ecological footprint within construction practices is perhaps the most genuine act of reverence toward nature and the future generations that will inhabit it,’ she explains. The landscape and a communion with nature are her biggest influences, the architect adds.

What: Casa Sula

Set in the subtropical foliage of the Santa Cruz island of the Galápagos, Casa Sula is one of Salvador’s key examples of respectful, sensitive building systems architecture. The house was prefabricated in Quito over two months. Its components were then transported by sea to their final site, where the house was fully assembled in just 25 days.

The home, a contemporary version of a triangle house, is a sleek composition made of some 2,000 custom-made wood, metal, aluminium, and glass pieces (while over 17,000 screws were needed to put the project together, the architecture team flags). Smart passive cooling techniques, such as a gap between two layers of the outer skin, which allows air to circulate, were employed throughout in order to support the structure’s bioclimatic behaviour.

Sula - which is named after a Galápagos Islands’ endemic bird species - is Salvador’s second exercise with prefabricated technology. Many more will follow, the architect emphasises: ‘What sets me apart is how I inhabit my role as an architect: delivering a housing solution without leaving a scar on the environment.’

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

@diana_manzana_salvador

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 welcomes Hoyer Arkitektur, a young Danish practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Hoyer Arkitektur

Danish architect Thomas Høyer founded his namesake studio in 2022. With a headquarters in Ebeltoft on the Jutland peninsula, Høyer Arkitektur works on a variety of projects that explore architecture’s relationship with nature. ‘In an age marked by accelerating pace and digital overstimulation, the studio sees it as a central responsibility to restore our connection to the physical world - not as an act of protest, but of care; not out of nostalgia, but out of necessity,’ Høyer explains.

The architect’s philosophy revolves around feeling and slowing down, as he argues that silence, reflection and emotion can play an important role in daily life and should therefore be seriously considered in design - just as importantly as function tends to be. It is this detail and admiration for the everyday that sets his emerging practice apart.

Høyer explains: ‘We pursue a restrained beauty rather than the spectacular - stripping away the unnecessary to let light, tactility, craftsmanship, and material honesty carry the architecture. We treat the building site as a place of responsible dialogue with nature, and we see our practice not as a universal formula but as a language of relationships between people, materials, and landscapes — one we believe can grow in significance, not just in scale.’

What: Ebeltoft

The practice’s Ebeltoft project is a key representative of its overall approach, exemplifying how gentle architectural construction and a preference for organic materials can offer a result that is friendly to its natural surroundings. ‘Our biggest influence is the encounter between body and surroundings — the conviction that understanding arises not through thought and logic alone, but through lived, sensory experience of place,’ Høyer says, and this is evident in his design of this modest timber house.

Placed gently on a high plateau formed of ancient glacial meltwater valleys and hills during the last ice age, Ebeltoft is defined by its prominent roof with its deep overhangs. Created using a modular building system and organised internally as a series of communal areas, interconnected and without corridors, the house features a central atrium that connects users with the tree canopy and sky above. Meanwhile, a colonnade of timber columns wraps around it, forming a terrace across the entire house, making this residential project at once introverted and extroverted, adapting easily to its residents' needs.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

hoyerarkitektur.com

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 includes Various Associates, a young Chinese practice that now joins our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Various Associates

From designing a skatepark in Qinhuangdao, to a beach club in Sanya, to fashion boutiques in Shanghai, and an Adidas flagship in Seoul – the work of Various Associates is indeed varied, spanning hotels, retail, residential, workspaces, galleries and urban spaces. The Shenzhen-based studio was co-founded by Qianyi Lin and Dongzi Yang in 2017 with a focus on cross-disciplinary and research-led design; the pair studied interiors and architecture, respectively, at the Royal College of Art in London.

This approach is driven by the duo’s ambition to activate original spatial experiences that are both holistic and transcending. In their work, the layers of a space – from branding, to product, to materiality and architecture – each commit to a guiding concept without hierarchy, resulting in an immersive vision. It’s a philosophy they describe as: ‘Working in the future for the present.’

To achieve this, the team has expanded beyond architects to include material engineers, artists, graphic and experience designers. This collaboration across disciplines elevates Various Associates into a ‘platform’ where ideas are central and conventions are always challenged. The mode of open-thinking and experimentation results in spaces where architecture, art and technology are blended and experiential potential is endless.

What: Gong's House

This curious house in the ancient village of Yongjia is built around the distinct social dynamics of a family reunion. Designed for the families of six siblings (30 people and counting), its challenge was to consolidate cross-generational needs and a rural-urban divide of lifestyles. To ensure separate activities can always be shared, spacious rooms are linked and layered with open connections. Games of mahjong between elderly Gong family members unfold alongside children’s playtime, supervised with ease by tea-sipping parents.

Ambient natural light and countryside views flow in through the abstract composition of windows that pepper the facade, echoing the ‘staggered orderliness’ of the vernacular houses of Jiangnan. Seeking to resolve the spirit of local rural construction and the efficiency of industrial urban methods, the architects developed a plant fibre brick that combines the intelligence of both, as well as being highly insulating and breathable, ideal for mitigating moisture during the rainy season.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

various-associates.com

Dharq Arquitectos is a Chilean architecture studio that makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios

Who: Dharq Arquitectos

Patricio Huidobro founded Dharq Arquitectos in 2019. Based in Santiago, Chile, the practice looks to develop residential projects in rural areas where conventional urban services are absent.

‘Our practice sits between architectural design, construction, and research,’ explains Patricio Huidobro. ‘Many of our projects emerge from built prototypes or experimental structures that later inform residential work. This approach allows us to test ideas about structure, modularity, and environmental systems directly through construction.’

Many of the studio’s projects emerge from research on modular structures and essential forms of dwelling. Influenced by architectural and technological thinking, Dharq Arquitectos understands buildings as systems rather than isolated objects. Says Huidobro, ‘The exploration of lightweight structures, environmental systems, and minimal frameworks for living — developed by figures such as Buckminster Fuller or Reyner Banham — continues to inform how we think about architecture today.’

Dharq Arquitectos is motivated by the question of how architecture can enable habitation in territories where infrastructure is scarce or absent. The studio is interested in how minimalist structures can organise space and climate to support daily living.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

Alongside designing residential homes, Huidobro has taught architectural design studios focused on housing at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile for the past thirteen years, while continuously researching themes of efficient infrastructure and autonomous habitation.

What: Sliding Doors House (Casa Corredera)

Chile’s Casablanca Valley is just 30 km from the Pacific Ocean, welcoming sea breezes and a refreshingly cool climate. Nestled in this coastal valley is Sliding Doors House, a single-family dwelling surrounded by pine forests and agricultural land.

Dharq Arquitectos explores the relationship between indoor and outdoor living through twenty-two sliding panels. These sliding doors help regulate light, ventilation, and privacy. The structure takes on a form similar to a pavilion. Its lightweight framework of timber floor framing and a galvanized steel roof structure is suspended on concrete piers, allowing it to be raised above its context.

When the panels are opened, the residence becomes an open space, fully immersed in the environment. Says Huidobro, ‘The architecture operates less as a fixed object and more as a climatic device capable of modulating transparency, air, and views throughout the day.’

dharq.cl

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 includes Place of Work, a young practice out of Canada, which joins our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Place of Work

With two bases, in Halifax and Toronto, Canada, this young studio was only founded four years ago by architects Jennifer Esposito, Duncan Patterson, and Will Perkins. The trio enjoy taking their cues from each project’s context and the region’s vernacular, just as much as they do from the everyday experience, they explain. ‘Ordinary things excite us,’ they say. ‘The way light angles across a wall. The sound a door makes when it closes. The coolness of stone under bare feet. We’re drawn to these specifics because they contain what is essential: ritual, site, material, time.’

Bridging the gap between ‘representation and reality,’ the real and the imaginary is ‘where architecture happens,’ they add. Place of Work may still be emerging, but it has a range of ongoing projects across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. It consciously picks commissions that allows them to work closely with clients and get stuck into the particulars and the detail in each and every design, the team emphasises.

Yet if you ask what the architects primary references are, the discussion comes back to context and setting. ‘[Our biggest influence is] Place. Not as a romantic idea, but as a physical and cultural reality that architecture either responds to or ignores. Architecture requires deep listening. Climate, topography, material culture, and history are forces that shape our approach. But place doesn’t mean anything without people. What we share is a belief that architecture begins with human ritual: how people wake, gather, retreat, and rest.’

What: House In A Meadow Between Forest And Sea

One of the team’s newly completed works, only delivered this summer, House In A Meadow Between Forest And Sea, is a bespoke single-family home in the rugged coast of Nova Scotia. The project, conceived as a summer retreat for a retired couple on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, offers a design that negotiates the dramatic environment with its powerful winds and the daily needs and rituals of its owners.

Working in close collaboration with landscape architects Brackish Design Studio, Place of Work crafted a floorplan that is orientated to offer both protection from the weather and views out towards nature. Two wings, one containing the primary suite, the other housing guest rooms and a den, are united by a central living space that connects movement and functions both inside and out.

True to their overarching values, the architects draw from the site’s conditions to elevate their proposal: ‘Light is treated as an orienting element. Clerestories bring warmth and a sense of time into the main living spaces, while north-facing openings frame views across the meadow. The resulting architecture is shaped by site, climate, and use—distinct from the landscape, yet deeply tied to it.’

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

placeofwork.ca

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 includes Marilia Pellegrini, a young architect and her São Paulo practice, who joins our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Marilia Pellegrini

Following stints at both Brazilian and international studios, architect Marilia Pellegrini set up her independent practice in 2016 in São Paulo. Her mantra? A bespoke, highly architecture-and-craft-led approach, she explains: ‘Each project comes with its own repertoire and should be crafted like a hand-embroidered piece.’ Centred on this, Pellegrini and her team are always keen on delivering a well-rounded result, where they can integrate architecture, interior and furniture design to optimal results. ‘Beauty in things and kindness in people motivates me. Giving back beauty in my projects and being kind to my clients is the least I can do,’ she adds.

Having learned from some of Brazil’s most prominent architects and designers gives the team an important edge, the architect believes: ‘Gustavo Penna, still during my time at university, taught me poetry. The sensitivity of a project begins with the pencil stroke. Rene Gonzalez, a master of composition and trained by Richard Meier, taught me that no line exists on its own. He taught me to compose. Last but not least, Arthur Casas taught me balance - colour scheme, textures and materials; harmony - between curves and straight lines; and the importance of being complete as an architect.’

At the same time, ‘The influence of my creative process changes constantly, at every moment,’ Pellegrini adds. ‘The only great influence common to all my works is nature.’

What: Casa das Palmeiras

Conceived as the ultimate urban sanctuary, Casa das Palmeiras sits at the heart of São Paulo, in the suburban enclave of Alphaville. A low-lying, single-floor volume, slightly sunken into the terrain and engulfed in greenery from a leafy garden, the home is framed by the palm trees that inspired its name.

Behind a relatively opaque street-facing exterior, a flowing, breezy interior unfolds, where indoor and outdoor living blend seamlessly across living spaces that open fully to the outside and al fresco areas that blur the boundaries further against a landscape created by designer Renata Tilli. This creates a sense of not only comfort and functionality, but also luxury, Pellegrini explains.

A neutral, predominantly light-coloured surface palette underlines a softness inside and out, composed of beige limestone, light-coloured wood and soft stone. The project includes four bedroom suites, a guest bathroom, a gym and an expansive, open-plan living space for relaxing, cooking and entertaining.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

mariliapellegrini.com

Atelier Ko joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2026 – welcome this young Benin practice into our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Atelier Ko

Osvaldo Gounon and Kemi Amede founded Benin-based Atelier Kọ in 2022. They both studied architecture in Benin and then abroad in Strasbourg and Bordeaux, respectively. Gounon and Amede want to help improve the architectural landscape in West Africa. Through their work, they aim to create buildings that are meaningful, contextual and useful.

Atelier Kọ works across both residential and hospitality projects, and their approach is rooted in the systematic application of bioclimatic principles. Whether it’s a new-build or a renovation project, the team is keen on creating authentic projects and is strongly inspired by local culture, materials, climate and ways of living. ‘We try to design architecture that is contemporary without losing its connection to place,’ Gounon and Amede explain.

Benin itself has the strongest influence on their practice. ‘The context, the climate, landscapes, building traditions, social habits and cultural references,’ they explain. ‘We are also influenced by the need to reinterpret local know-how in a contemporary way, so that our projects are not nostalgic, but anchored, efficient and relevant today.’ One of their biggest challenges is the local construction ecosystem; few established professional companies exist, and some traditional skills and techniques are gradually being lost.

What: Maison Itan

The restoration of this Aguda, or Afro-Brazilian house, built between the 19th and early 20th century in Benin, Africa, demonstrates Atelier Kọ’s considered approach to the modernisation of heritage buildings. Four independent units are divided equally over the ground and first floor. The two upper-storey apartments are accessible via existing external staircases.

The main facade has been renovated without altering its original configuration and finished in a pink Siena earth coating. Internally, a cement screed floor is a like-for-like replacement of the original. And at the rear, the new north-facing terrace creates a connection between the main building and the shared garden. Here, clean, uniform lines contrast with the decorative main façade. Bespoke timber joinery has been employed for the supporting columns, decking and the screening, while the roof has been re-covered in terracotta tiles that complement the pink hue of the main facade.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

atelier-ko.com

Every year, the Wallpaper* Architects' Directory spotlights the emerging practices shaping the future of architecture. For its 2026 edition, our annual survey features 30 studios from around the world whose work is redefining residential design through fresh ideas, local knowledge and ambitious thinking. Among them is Civil Architecture, a young Bahrain- and Kuwait-based practice exploring how contemporary architecture can respond to the Gulf's climate, history and rapidly changing urban landscape.

Who: Civil Architecture

Straddling two Middle Eastern countries, Bahrain and Kuwait, Civil Architecture is the brainchild of two architects – Ali Ismail Karimi (registered architect in the former territory) and Hamed Bukhamseen (registered architect in the latter). Founded in 2017, the studio was set up as a response to the needs of our time, asking what it means to ‘produce architecture in a decidedly uncivil time, presenting a new civic character for a global condition,’ the two directors say.

A desire to find alternative ways to inhabit their region is central to the duo’s architectural explorations. This is not only about thinking critically, but also about physically intervening and creating solutions, the founders believe: ‘The Gulf is one of the centres of the globe's metabolism, and its architecture is a reflection of larger alchemical and economic transformations worldwide.’

‘The combination of design projects, exhibitions, research work and publications we feel positions us as a practice that attempts to define its context and the ways to respond to it.’

Civil Architecture has worked on a variety of projects, from exhibition design and publications to homes and civic buildings in the region, but its portfolio was built around strategic decisions, reinforcing its inherent fascinations. ‘We work in thematics, picking one-to-two-year projects internally that shape our interests, allowing us to develop an aspect of the practice and research trajectory. The influence fluctuates along these lines, allowing different pre-oil narratives, precedents, or ways of directing the practice to new formal projects,’ the pair explains.

What: House With Seven Gardens

It is not unusual for Gulf region houses to feel introverted. A mix of local traditions and climatic conditions means that often, residences here are courtyards that face inward - seemingly blank and windowless from the streetside. House with Seven Gardens was a response to a desire to maintain a healthy balance between those age-old ways of arranging domestic space and contemporary building codes, which typically dictate two to three-metre setbacks from the plot boundary – which effectively invites that ancient courtyard typology to be inverted.

Located in the suburban neighbourhood of Diyar Al Muharraq in Bahrain, the project takes advantage of the gap created between that setback and the boundary wall to create ‘miniature gardens in multiple courts.’ This also allows for each room to have its own courtyard, which in turn maintains its own planting and lighting conditions - and therefore, character. Additional openings on the street-facing wall ensure the building has a relationship with the context around it, too.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

civilarchitecture.org

Australian practice Matt Goodman Architecture Office makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Matt Goodman Architecture Office (MGAO)

Matt Goodman Architecture Office (MGAO) favours simplicity. The Australian firm, which was founded in 2016, works with robust yet familiar materials to create residential projects across the country that balance function with beauty.

Architect and founder Matt Goodman strips back complex project briefs and injects them with a minimalist simplicity through natural materials and a refined palette. ‘I am driven by my desire to design through construction,’ shares Goodman. ’I came into architecture relatively late. Once I found my passion, I knew architecture was the profession for me. I wake up every day driven by the desire to do good work. I hope this motivation stays with me until the day I breathe my last breath.’

While many a studio tries to distinguish itself from its peers, Goodman is more focused on creating projects that are quiet and considered. He tells Wallpaper*: ‘It seems like most people these days are trying to stand out from the crowd – for one reason or another. I feel I am more focused on trying to fill the space behind the crowd.’

Goodman’s evident sense of peace in finding his purpose seems reflected in MGAO’s works, which exude a considered calmness.

What: Olive Street Cabin

When Goodman designed Olive Street Cabin, he was faced with his most challenging client yet – himself. The house, perched on a hillside in Separation Creek in Victoria, Australia, was designed for the architect’s own family. The design recalls that of ‘fibro’ beach shacks – basic holiday homes popularised during the 1950s and 1960s – a number of which had been lost to local bushfires in 2016.

This contemporary take is robust and bushfire-safe, constructed from Colorbond steel, blackbutt timber, and Barestone cladding chosen for its durability. Inside, it has two bedrooms and a bathroom, while the living spaces open up towards the expansive vista, uniting indoor and outdoor living.

The single-storey rectangular volume unveils itself slowly. The corrugated façade slides back to channel visitors into the main living space, which opens up to the central feature: the windows.

Taking up an entire wall, the back windows frame the ocean. The landscape has always been a main source of inspiration for the architecture firm, as Goodman explains: ‘The contexts in which we practice are my biggest influence. The local context of a specific project has always interested me, and [has led to] a desire to respond sensitively to these sites. We have been lucky enough to work in some stunning landscapes – and I am always drawn back to the power of these places, their character and history.’

MGAO’s cabin is compact and considered. Every detail serves a purpose in a project designed for enjoying the views and the coastal setting.

Why: Architects Directory 2026

When the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory was conceived in 2000, it was built as our bespoke international index of emerging architectural talent. Now in its 25th edition, our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe (now comprising over 500 alumni) champions the best and most promising young studios - a snapshot of talent showcasing inspiring work from all corners of the Earth with an emphasis on the residential realm.

This year’s anniversary survey includes 30 young studios (one for each of the 30 years of Wallpaper*), from Australia, Bahrain, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, France, Ivory Coast, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and Vietnam. Welcome to the promise, ideas and exciting architecture of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2026.

mgao.com.au

The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 has been revealed, highlighting 20 studios from around the world as some of the year's most exciting newcomers.

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition.

Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios, from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024

Here are the 20 practices celebrated in this year's Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 – spanning 19 countries and five continents.

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: Europe

Kasawoo, UK

London-based Kasawoo was founded by Kyriaki (Katie) Kasabalis and Darius Woo in 2020, after they met during their studies at Cornell University in the USA. Their studio was established with an aim to work on bringing great design to everyone. 'Early on in our practice, we discovered that good design was often out of reach for most people, and we made a commitment to change that. For us, good design does not need to come with a big price tag. That is why we set up our practice to bring this ethos to life,' they say.

This desire is combined with an approach that draws on a more ‘gentle’ architecture – minimalism, not through formal reduction, but rather through the efficiency of both design gestures and resources.

Brown Urbanism, UK

Richard Brown's Brown Urbanism was born some ten years ago, as a London-based architecture and urbanism design practice with a mission to 'create better places for people to inhabit that are inclusive, engaging and meaningful'. As part of this philosophy, the studio works on a range of typologies and scales, including commercial, residential, retail and hospitality; always with a focus on sustainable, low-cost, high-impact design.

'Simple, well-thought-through design that works for the client while creating distinctive and meaningful urban environments,' says Brown. 'We are interested in how design can better reflect, support and enable new ways of inhabiting and experiencing space. We are particularly interested in how the home can support the complexities of life’s requirements – from working from home and experiencing nature to treating the home as a performative cultural place.'

Mast, Denmark

Mast, founded in 2021 by Australian architect Marshall Blecher and Danish maritime designer and architect Magnus Maarbjerg, is on a mission to improve the relationship between the city and the sea. 'We are motivated by the amazing potential that comes from reconnecting with water, as we have seen the amazing effect that even small improvements to water access and quality can produce in cities,' Blecher explains.

Specialising in architecture on or near water, the duo have completed several small structures floating around Copenhagen harbour. There is the 20 sq m tiny prototype floating island KBHØ1 (KBH for Copenhagen and Ø for island) with its 6m tall Linden tree; and the portable ‘harbour bath’, or Dyppezone, which can be freely moved around the city’s waterways, creating intimate bathing experience along its way.

Studio Argus, Estonia

Architect Margit Argus brings more than 20 years of experience in interior design, fine arts, and architecture to her young and fast-emerging architecture studio. The practice, based in Tallinn, is rooted in a Nordic aesthetic, bringing together local Estonian vernacular and a fine attention to detail. Current projects include a seaside hotel in Tallinn, a high-rise residential building, and a university campus in Tallinn, alongside a handful of schools and single-family houses.

Studio Collaboratorio, Finland

Young Helsinki practice Studio Collaboratorio was founded in 2016 by Finnish architect Kristiina Kuusiluoma and Italian architect Martino De Rossi. The dynamic, emerging practice aims to 'create beautiful habitats by using natural and ecological materials while at the same time paying close attention to the place and its history: more beauty, communality, affordability and humanity! Interactive cooperation, profound ecology and long life cycle are at the heart of everything.'

Branco del Rio, Portugal

Founded by Paula del Rio and João Branco, the architecture studio Branco del Rio is based in the riverfront city of Coimbra, Portugal’s former capital. Motivated by curiosity and influenced by the ever-changing city around them, the architects view each project as an opportunity to investigate different contexts and topics. Gathering inspiration from their travels, books and colleagues the team say: ‘We are convinced that what we do can improve quality of life. We live and work in spaces we designed, we share spaces we designed with friends. It is a privilege and also a motivation.’

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: Asia

Playball Studio, India and Spain

Established in 2017, Playball Studio is an Indo-Spanish architecture firm led by architects Celia Fernández Duque and Ronak Gangdev. Based in Rajkot, India, and Valladolid, Spain, the studio works on a range of uniquely contextual residential and commercial projects, often within urban conditions.

The word ‘Playball’ reflects the studio’s philosophy of always ‘playing ball’ and prioritising the needs of its clients. Fernández Duque and Gangdev are also conscious of the impact of their projects on the physical environment. The studio’s core strength lies in striking a harmonious balance between the organic and the technical, simplicity and refinement, and form and functionality.

Tsing-Tien Making, China

Suzhou-born Freja Bao's studio, Tsing-Tien Making (TTM), was founded following the architect's education in London's Bartlett School of Architecture and stints in Japan, in the offices of KPF Architects and Kengo Kuma & Associates. Bao set up her independent practice in her home town in 2023 and has been going from strength to strength since.

'As a collective deeply passionate about architecture, we at Tsing-Tien Making thrive on embracing challenges and infusing each project with innovative experimentation,' she says. Beyond her first completed project, featured here, Bao adds that there's more to come: 'Our focus extends to a range of exciting undertakings, including the development of a retirement house, the restoration of a scientist’s former residence, and the conceptualisation of a private collector’s room.'

L Architects, Singapore

Boutique studio L Architects was founded in 2016 by Lim Shing Hui. Based in Singapore, the practice focuses on creating homes that enhance the living experience. ‘Architecture has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions within us. You have to find the soul of the space,’ says Lim. ‘The search [for this] is what keeps me motivated. I believe that a good piece of architecture has the ability to touch the human soul, communicate messages, stir empathy and at the same time quietly delight – and this in itself transcends mere physical realms.’

The studio also believes it is important to stay rooted in its culture, in particular the experiences, cultural background and personal journey of its founder, allowing this to inform the shape and unique style of each residential design, giving it a distinct authorship.

Studio Heech, South Korea

Working across a range of creative fields that encompass architecture, industrial design, furniture, and interactive performance installation, Studio Heech welcomes multi-layered, rich experiences. Meanwhile, ‘the craftsmanship of “making things” is still important in the 21st century,’ says Park. With a keen eye for detail, the studio strives to create its contemporary architectural expression through techniques that bridge technology and traditional manufacturing – ultimately addressing the fundamentals of urban architecture.

Championing both the traditional and the contemporary, the studio often creates intriguing architectural forms. As with many forward-thinking practices, Studio Heech integrates sustainability into its work. From planning through to construction, Park makes sure to collaborate with a wide network of engineers, artists and craftsmen to broaden ideas and spark curiosity within the creative process.

Touch Architect, Thailand

Based in the bustling Thai hub of Bangkok, Touch Architect crafts residences drawing on its cultural ties and environment, while adding sustainable architecture practices. When approaching a project, the duo applies a 'bottom-up approach’, meaning they focus on the functionality of the space before layering on aesthetics. ‘For us, good architecture must be functional, timeless, and sustainable,’ they say. ‘While beauty and aesthetics are also important, it comes as an enhancement which completes the architecture. Great architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis I Kahn inspire this philosophy in our work.’

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: Africa

Fleury Atallah Architectes, Tunisia

Fleury Atallah Architectes is one of the exciting emerging architecture practices to be included in the annual Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024. Founded in 2011 by Catherine Fleury and Chacha Atallah, it has offices in Toulon, France and Carthage, Tunisia. The studio focuses mainly on residential projects for private clients who are after a sensitive, sober and context-specific approach as well as inventive and beautiful solutions to architectural and interior challenges; but it has also designed art galleries and wine production facilities.

SI.SA. Nigeria

African culture motivates Lagos-based architecture firm SI.SA. ‘We are influenced by the abstracted forms found in African traditional art and their ability to convey power and meaning,' says founder Seun Oduwole.

Founded in 2015, the ten-person firm aims 'to make beautiful buildings that enhance the built environment’. Dedicated to the betterment of communities, SI.SA focuses on inclusive and socially responsible architectural designs. Boasting a diverse portfolio of residential, educational, and cultural projects, the practice has worked on some impressive projects, such as the colourful John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos.

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: Americas

AD-WO, USA

Ethiopia-born Emanuel Admassu and Australia-born Jen Wood formed AD-WO in New York in 2015. The young art and architecture studio brings together their 'divergent' backgrounds to create valuable 'friction' within their practice – which, combined with their agility and multi-disciplinary approach, gives them a distinct edge when it comes to crafting works that are 'transnational' and experimental. The portfolio of the research-based studio spans from images and objects to furniture, tapestries, installations, and buildings.

Studio Porto, Brazil

The emerging practice of Camila Porto stands out through its contemporary fusion of Brazilian culture with a cosmopolitan attitude. Studio Porto's projects are intended to be timeless, balanced, and hospitable, Porto explains – but functionality is equally paramount. Attention to detail, empathy, and integration with nature are also strengths.

'Our greatest influence is Brazilian modernism, which brings with it a legacy of architectural solutions guided by simplicity and elegance. We combine this foundation with a contemporary and global perspective, integrating elements of nature and prioritising people's wellbeing. This combination of values shapes our approach uniquely and innovatively in architecture and design,' Porto explains.

TigerQi Architecture, British Virgin Islands and Saint Kitts and Nevis

Lavina Liburd started TigerQi Architecture in 2013, having previously worked at different firms and gained experience on a wealth of projects, from transportation and civic briefs to luxury residences and commercial buildings. With this under her belt, Liburd set up shop on her own, with a focus on a contemporary design approach that embraces simplicity and minimalism.

Due to the climate and topography of its secluded Caribbean home, the practice centres on three key principles; creating healthy buildings that support the social health and wellbeing of its clients; embracing hillside living to maximise views and light; and creating architecture that is designed to serve its community as a whole. These underlying principles are threaded into the studio's design process, wrapped up in a tropical modernism aesthetic.

Svima, Canada

Starting Svima five years ago, Anamarija Korolj and Leon Lai, looked towards nature and ecology. During our era of mass construction, the studio fine-tunes its mission by focusing on three key pillars: air, light and greenery. With this in mind, their designs draw on the blossoming biomes of Canada, while balancing a human-centric approach, ensuring that the client receives a design that provides ample access to nature. The studio's portfolio brings together a series of schemes that nod towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Seeing themselves as ‘not only as designers of buildings but as stewards of human experience’, Korolj and Lai seek to unite art and architecture to ‘continuously leverage the two mediums as vehicles with a reciprocal relationship in pushing the boundaries of the visual and spatial expressions.’ The creative duo strives to implement projects with a sense of place, resilience and inclusivity, ‘reflecting the essence of what it means to be Canadian.’

Büro Koray Duman, USA

This agile New York and Istanbul architecture practice – Büro Koray Duman – was founded by architect Koray Duman in 2014. The studio is a proudly immigrant- and LGBTQ-led business, comprising a team of architects that represent a diverse mix of nationalities and experiences. As a result, its output is equally varied and captivating - from projects for MoMA PS1 Museum, to the Finnish Cultural Institute NY, the Noguchi Museum, IKSV, artist Richard Prince, the American Society for Muslim Advancement, Council for Fashion Designers of America, and Design Within Reach.

Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: Oceania

Alexander Symes, Australia

Architect Alexander Symes founded his namesake practice in 2014 with a vision to challenge the current status quo in sustainability in architecture, pushing and challenging the field's boundaries. With a ‘hands-on’ approach and a speciality in delivering passive homes that don't impact their context negatively, the practice aims to create residential design with a purpose.

‘On a macro level, this ensures we contribute to protecting biodiversity and providing a future-proofed housing stock,’ says Symes, ‘while on a micro level providing a healthy and resilient home for our clients in the changing climate.’ With this in mind, it is arguably only natural that the environment would be the studio’s biggest influence. Keeping context and nature at the forefront of its decisions, the practice enjoys working with bio-based construction and existing materials and suppliers. The result is buildings with a natural feel and a reduced carbon footprint.

Spacecraft Architects, New Zealand

Spacecraft Architects founders Roberston and Gittos often tackle limited budgets and the smaller scale in their work – a challenge they enjoy taking on to make architecture more accessible. Their own headquarters is nestled off the back of a self-built house in Whanganui, and is a clear representation of the studio's ethos.‘ The constraints offered by tight budgets and difficult (affordable) sites breed creativity and drive our design work,’ the creative duo told Wallpaper*.

With an interest in buildings that do not rely on luxurious materials or highly detailed construction, the pair hope to create powerful architecture even within the simplest structures. Working on infill housing across New Zealand opened up a niche for a wealth of recent work focused on the rising appeal of co-housing, in various forms of multi-residential projects and apartment builds.

The Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024 includes Büro Koray Duman, a young practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Büro Koray Duman

This agile New York and Istanbul architecture practice was founded by architect Koray Duman in 2014. The studio is a proudly immigrant- and LGBTQ-led business, comprising a team of architects that represent a diverse mix of nationalities and experiences. As a result, its output is equally varied and captivating – from projects for MoMA PS1 Museum to the Finnish Cultural Institute NY, the Noguchi Museum, IKSV, artist Richard Prince, the American Society for Muslim Advancement, Council for Fashion Designers of America, and Design Within Reach.

Duman spoke about what motivates him: 'In a time of great ecological and social challenges, I believe in architecture’s power as a social infrastructure to bring positive and permanent changes, create spaces for belonging, and create new types of communities. My motivation stems from a conviction that the built environment can and should play a pivotal role in addressing these pressing issues.

'Architecture is not just about constructing buildings; it's about shaping environments that enhance human experiences and foster a sense of community. I am driven by the potential to design spaces that are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. Well-designed spaces can encourage interaction, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging among diverse groups of people.'

What: Artist Studio and House, Germantown

The studio enjoys pushing the boundaries of traditional architecture, and one of its latest projects, the Artist Studio and House in Germantown, is a good example of that approach. Freshly completed, the home, set at the edge of a forested hill and flat farmland, is a playful take on the typical farmhouse vernacular.

The complex's volume was defined by bending, carving, and tilting its form. Within it, a ceramic studio is located on the northern end, a mezzanine bedroom is nestled towards the west, and a blended weaving studio/living room on the ground floor effortlessly opens up towards the natural surroundings. Clerestory windows provide plenty of light inside. The home's poured-in-place concrete volume is clad in black stained cedar shingles on the exterior walls facing east and west, as well as its roof.

Why: Architects Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

b-kd.com

Portuguese architecture studio Branco del Rio is an expert at crafting homes with high spatial quality and comfort but infused with sustainable architecture strategies for energy efficiency. Now, the Coimbra-based studio forms part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual listing of exciting emerging practices from around the world. Projects like House AA8, one of their first residential completions, showcase the practice's bright and airy concepts, which make the most of a minimalist and utilitarian material palette for maximum impact.

Who: Branco del Rio Arquitectos

Founded by Paula del Rio and João Branco, the architecture studio Branco del Rio is based in the riverfront city of Coimbra, Portugal’s former capital. Motivated by curiosity and influenced by the ever-changing city around them, the architects view each project as an opportunity to investigate different contexts and topics. Gathering inspiration from their travels, books and colleagues the team say: ‘We are convinced that what we do can improve quality of life. We live and work in spaces we designed, we share spaces we designed with friends. It is a privilege and also a motivation.’

The studio may be young but already has a FORMA 2023 National Architecture Award for Public Space under its belt. Still, the design practice stays humble when reflecting upon what makes their award-winning work stand out from the crowd. ‘Perhaps this answer should not come from us,’ they say. ‘We have been fortunate to see our work recognised and have had the opportunity to win competitions for public housing. One thing we believe in and strive for is achieving a maximum spatial impact, comfort, and energy efficiency [design] with the minimum amount of material and energy used.’

What: House AA8

Nestled in Portugal's Norton de Matos, House AA8 adds playful charm to its streetside plot. Taking its cues from the neighbouring homes' volumetric composition, House AA8's design subtly stands out through its yellow and white palette that injects vibrancy and a pop of colour.

The typical Norton de Matos house has been expanded into its backyard with a concrete extension, replacing original wooden frames and ventilated roofs. Branco del Rio wanted to break away from this trend and maintain the existing home's original characteristics. Carefully choosing materials which provide an element of indoor/outdoor living, the studio introduced light and natural ventilation inside. Wood features heavily, adding an element of raw authenticity to the design, while carving out small, shady 'nooks' for living. This, matched with custard yellow detailing and smooth cream walls, gently nods to the country’s delicious pastel de nata, the architects explain. What's not to like?

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

branco-delrio.com

Touch Architect was founded in Thailand by architects Setthakarn Yangderm and Parpis Leelaniramol - and the studio has now joined the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual listing of emerging practices across the world.

Touch unites simple materials and ‘ordinary’ structures to create residences that are aesthetically striking, yet highly functional. Villa Backyard is a perfect example of its work, featuring an eye-catching triangular structural exterior which visually defines the home. It opens up into a crisp, minimal and pragmatic interior setting.

Who: Touch Architect

Based in the bustling Thai hub of Bangkok, Touch Architect crafts residences drawing on its cultural ties and environment, while adding sustainable architecture practices. When approaching a project, the duo applies a 'bottom-up approach’, meaning they focus on the functionality of the space before layering on aesthetics. ‘For us, good architecture must be functional, timeless, and sustainable,’ they say. ‘While beauty and aesthetics are also important, it comes as an enhancement which completes the architecture. Great architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis I. Kahn inspire this philosophy in our work.’

Implementing this strategy across their projects, commercial or private, the architects aim to design for ‘real users’ thinking about efficient interiors and ergonomic design, while taking on client preferences and programmatic functions so that each project becomes unique in its own way. Collaboration also influences the practice, yet it's something that can present challenges, the team admits - as well as opportunities. Navigating the complexities of human relationships across all stages of a project requires constant communication, negotiation, and collaboration. Yet amidst this, new ideas that make projects richer often emerge.

What: Villa Backyard

Nestled in an eastern Bangkok suburb, Villa Backyard lays on flat terrain overlooking an artificial pond. Its façade was conceived with this context in mind, as the home's triangular shape was designed to help rainwater run off it and merge with the pond water, encouraging biodiversity to flourish. The solution developed from an initial simple cube structure which was then cross-sectioned to provide the largest slanted surface that would act as both roof and vehicle for draining water.

Inside, an open-plan interior comprises dining and socialising areas, as well as sleeping quarters with the option for the last to extend if needed. One bedroom faces the water, taking in a sweeping panoramic view of the green context. The main entry into the home is set under the roof's highest point, creating an open and welcoming entrance sequence. The living room and bedrooms are located under the slope, offering shade and cosiness, while guiding the eye towards the views.

The steel-framed structure is topped by an asphalt shingle roof. This lightweight material made for easy installation while also being durable and providing lots of thick shade. A terrace with steel grating also allows rainwater to trickle into the pond. Matching the exterior, the interior feels pared down, in an elegant, utilitarian and contemporary way.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

toucharchitect.com

Tunisia's Fleury Atallah Architectes is a young practice that makes it into the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Fleury Atallah Architects

Fleury Atallah Architectes is one of the exciting emerging architecture practices to be included in the annual Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024. Founded in 2011 by Catherine Fleury and Chacha Atallah, it has offices in Toulon, France and Carthage, Tunisia. The studio focuses mainly on residential projects for private clients who are after a sensitive, sober and context-specific approach as well as inventive and beautiful solutions to architectural and interior challenges; but it has also designed art galleries and wine production facilities.

Fleury and Atallah share an affinity for projects that embrace Mediterranean culture and heritage and dialogue with its specific geography, context, landscape and climate. 'What motivates us is the construction of living spaces as a source of joy and happiness,' they say. 'A home must be useful, functional and simple, but most of all it must inspire emotions and feelings.' When they start a project they begin by thinking about proportions, lines, rhythms and patterns, and the way spaces frame the landscape and filter light. Internally, they favour natural and simple materials such as stone, terracotta, timber and raw concrete.

What: Villa Voûtes

Villa Voûtes (Vaulted Villa), completed in 2020 and located on the picturesque Marsa Corniche in northeastern Tunis, is an excellent example of Fleury Atallah’s architectural yet human-focused approach. The home centres on two brick-vaulted spaces, made entirely by hand and without formwork by a master craftsman, around which the rest of the programme is designed. Skilled artisans are a common sight on construction sites in Tunisia, the pair explain, and offer rich expertise and skills. To create the villa’s striking interiors, Fleury and Atallah also worked with local carpenters, stone masons and lime plasterers.

Another representative project by Fleury Atallah Architectes is the Villa Squelette (Skeleton Villa), which takes its name from the fact that when the duo first saw it, it was an abandoned skeleton of a raw concrete building sitting amid lush vegetation. Located in Gammarth, a steep residential suburb in the north of Tunis by the sea, the project is about ‘creating a relationship between the concrete structure and the 20m-high pine forest that runs along its entire south-eastern façade’, say the architects.

Externally, they reduced the building’s footprint to create more outdoor space and two generous terraces. Inside, they created a 5m-high ‘living area’ that includes the kitchen, living room, dining and a cosy mezzanine library. The façade is composed of reinforced concrete panels that are cut out in different shapes and sizes to create glazing and geometries that blur the hierarchy of the different levels inside and embed the structure in this very particular landscape.

Why: Architects Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

fa-architectes.com

Studio Heech joins the Wallpaper Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual curated listing of emerging practices from around the world. The Korean practice was founded in 2018 by Heechan Park, a qualified architect who'd spent his time between London and Seoul. His Mews House, a transformed brick structure originally built 30 years ago in the heart of Seoul, showcases the studio's contemporary architecture approach through the simple insertion of glass bricks at its heart, creating a new bright and airy space.

Who: Studio Heech

Working across a range of creative fields that encompass architecture, industrial design, furniture, and interactive performance installation, Studio Heech welcomes multi-layered, rich experiences. Meanwhile, ‘the craftsmanship of “making things” is still important in the 21st century,’ says Park. With a keen eye for detail, the studio strives to create its contemporary architectural expression through techniques that bridge technology and traditional manufacturing – ultimately addressing the fundamentals of urban architecture.

Championing both the traditional and the contemporary, the studio often creates intriguing architectural forms. As with many forward-thinking practices, Studio Heech integrates sustainability into its work. From planning through to construction, Park makes sure to collaborate with a wide network of engineers, artists and craftsmen to broaden ideas and spark curiosity within the creative process.

What: Mews House

Originally built in 1990, Mews House was a classic brick home tucked away in the quiet mews in the residential neighbourhood of Seocho-dong, Seoul. The same client built the original structure 30 years ago and asked Park to give the building a refresh, creating a new multi-generational home to accommodate their family, while containing privacy and personal space for all.

Making the most of the existing build, Studio Heech inserted translucent glass bricks to fill in the U-shaped façade and provide a new living room. The ceiling was raised to create an atrium with a roof-light. The design was inspired by Pierre Chareau’s 1932 Maison De Verre, a celebrated example of modernist architecture that effortlessly merges indoors and outdoors. Mews House’s new glass wall flirts with the same concept while respecting its own condition, retaining the family’s history and memories of the old building on site. A touch of colour is integrated through the entrance hall tiles, adding a sense of playfulness.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

studioheech.com

Spacecraft Architects joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual series of exciting emerging practices in the world of architecture. This New Zealand studio was founded in 2012 by Caro Robertson and Tim Gittos, and is based in Whanganui, a small provincial town. Since its conception, the practice has striven to create bespoke homes from limited budgets by harnessing each client’s creativity. The studio’s Block Party boutique residential complex is a prime example of this, offering a sharp design vision that unites the environment, affordability and aesthetics.

Who: Spacecraft Architects

Founders Roberston and Gittos often tackle limited budgets and the smaller scale in their work – a challenge they enjoy taking on to make architecture more accessible. Their own headquarters is nestled off the back of a self-built house in Whanganui, and is a clear representation of the studio's ethos.‘ The constraints offered by tight budgets and difficult (affordable) sites breed creativity and drive our design work,’ the creative duo told Wallpaper*.

With an interest in buildings that do not rely on luxurious materials or highly detailed construction, the pair hope to create powerful architecture even within the simplest structures. Working on infill housing across New Zealand opened up a niche for a wealth of recent work focused on the rising appeal of co-housing, in various forms of multi-residential projects and apartment builds.

What: Block Party

Set in New Zealand's capital of Wellington, Block Party is a co-housing scheme that responds to the state of the country's housing market. The client, a group of six friends, disappointed at the housing options available, decided to come together and chip in on an existing house to reside in while developing four new terraced houses built along the site's contour. With this design, which displays a timely architectural response as well as ingenuity on a modest budget, the architects won the NZIA Multi-Unit Housing Award in 2023.

The site, a humble 600 sq m, provides access to a private outdoor space on the north and south of the homes, while the inclusion of porches and decking opens up the living space further. This unique living environment enables a level of connectivity and support among the residents and opens up possibilities for first-time buyers.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

spacecraftarchitects.co.nz

There is a quote that resonates deeply with L Architects' founder Lim Shing Hui. The late American architect Louis Kahn once said: ‘Every building must have its own soul.’ It is a sentiment the Singapore-based practice, part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 line-up, our annual listing of emerging studios, lives by.

Led by curiosity and offering a fresh perspective on seemingly mundane elements of architecture, the studio’s House of Trees is a testament to its mission to deliver soothing organic spaces, even in a dense, urban plot.

Who: L Architects

The boutique architecture studio was founded in 2016 by Lim Shing Hui. Based in Singapore, the practice focuses on creating homes that enhance the living experience. ‘Architecture has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions within us. You have to find the soul of the space,’ says Lim . ‘The search [for this] is what keeps me motivated. I believe that a good piece of architecture has the ability to touch the human soul, communicate messages, stir empathy and at the same time quietly delight – and this in itself transcends mere physical realms.’

The studio also believes it is important to stay rooted in its culture, in particular the experiences, cultural background and personal journey of its founder, allowing this to inform the shape and unique style of each residential design, giving it a distinct authorship.

What: House of Trees

L Architects took on a commission to create a tranquil residence for its clients on a site located inland, in the heart of the Kovan neighbourhood. The project's challenge lay in its context. Set facing a busy six-lane highway that accommodates anything from double-decker buses to lorries and cars, the lot did not immediately evoke the serene sanctuary the clients envisioned, and the practice had to think smart. The answer came in forming a design strategy around bringing in the greenery of the outdoors.

The residence, which was once the clients’ childhood home, underwent an entire rebuild, transforming it into two semi-detached houses. Turning to the environment to inform its material selection, the studio implemented a porous living façade with planter boxes for trees and other flora to thrive in the tropical climate. The rich planting offers a framed view and contributes to the streetscape.

The interior is contemporary and minimal, with hints of wood underscoring an organic feel. A shared inner courtyard provides an even quieter escape. More vegetation is brought into the bathroom. The sunlit house is bright and airy, with its effortlessly indoor-outdoor environment.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

larchitects.com

Alexander Symes Architect, fuelled by a strong sustainable architecture mission, is included in the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 line-up – our listing designed to highlight exciting emerging practices in the architecture world. This is an Australian studio rooted in an environmentally friendly approach, from the founding principles of each project to its final finishing touches. Designs such as Pepper Tree Passive House and Upside Down Akubra House were conceived to protect biodiversity while offering striking aesthetics and an intriguing residential experience.

Who: Alexander Symes Architect

Architect Alexander Symes founded his namesake practice in 2014 with a vision to challenge the current status quo in sustainability in architecture, pushing and challenging the field's boundaries. With a ‘hands-on’ approach and a speciality in delivering passive homes that don't impact their context negatively, the practice aims to create residential design with a purpose.

‘On a macro level, this ensures we contribute to protecting biodiversity and providing a future-proofed housing stock,’ says Symes, ‘while on a micro level providing a healthy and resilient home for our clients in the changing climate.’ With this in mind, it is arguably only natural that the environment would be the studio’s biggest influence. Keeping context and nature at the forefront of its decisions, the practice enjoys working with bio-based construction and existing materials and suppliers. The result is buildings with a natural feel and a reduced carbon footprint.

What: Upside Down Akubra House

Set firmly off the beaten track in rural Australia, Alexander Symes Architect’s Upside Down Akubra House lays low in the heart of New South Wales. This off-grid home settles into its surrounding, remote landscape blending seamlessly into the horizon. Its defining factor is its sweeping skillion roof, which took its shape from the broad rim of an Akubra hat and its perfect dimensions for providing shade and shelter from the region's extreme temperatures. Making use of the local climate's near-year-round sunshine, the building is fully sustained by solar power, while the roof's slope and shape help to funnel and collect rainwater.

The plot offers impressive 360-degree views, nestled in the middle of a bull paddock, on top of a gently sloping hill above a dry creek bed. A grove of eucalyptus frames the expansive panorama of ‘Yella-Rock’ to the south, and ‘Hanging-Rock’ to the east, making for an ideal secluded sanctuary for the clients. Living spaces are positioned across the home's perimeter, with the kitchen and lounge lapping up easterly views, while bedrooms are placed behind them. A compact service core sits at the heart of the house, protected from the extreme weather conditions of this remote site.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

alexandersymes.com

Studio Porto, a young Brazilian practice, joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Studio Porto

The emerging practice of Camila Porto stands out through its contemporary fusion of Brazilian culture with a cosmopolitan attitude. The studio's projects are intended to be timeless, balanced, and hospitable, Porto explains – but functionality is equally paramount. Attention to detail, empathy, and integration with nature are also strengths.

'Our greatest influence is Brazilian modernism, which brings with it a legacy of architectural solutions guided by simplicity and elegance. We combine this foundation with a contemporary and global perspective, integrating elements of nature and prioritising people's wellbeing. This combination of values shapes our approach uniquely and innovatively in architecture and design,' Porto explains.

What: AG House

AG House, one of the studio's newest completions, brings together the architect's signature blend of simplicity and minimalism. Set in Brazil's Uberlândia, the residence is located in the neighbourhood of Triângulo Mineiro. The structure, a single-storey residence, cleverly incorporates the owner's need for combining workspace and home through a contemporary design that centres on flowing, flexible space, functionality, and a prominent, light-filled area for entertaining.

AG House's L-shaped arrangement was chosen for its orientation – offering the best balance between plenty of sunlight and avoiding overheating. The materials add a luxurious and tactile touch, comprising slatted concrete, natural stone such as granite, shou sugi ban charred wood, and marble.

'The materials were selected with precision to provide not only an exclusive identity to the residence but also to ensure comfort. Metal structures, glass, Brazilian natural stones, and various species of wood converge to create a welcoming and visually appealing environment,' says the architect.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

@studioportoarquitetura

Young Chinese architecture practice Tsing-Tien Making joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging studios.

Who: Tsing-Tien Making

Suzhou-born Freja Bao's studio, Tsing-Tien Making (TTM), was founded following the architect's education in London's Bartlett School of Architecture and stints in Japan, in the offices of KPF Architects and Kengo Kuma & Associates. Bao set up her independent practice in her home town in 2023 and has been going from strength to strength since.

'As a collective deeply passionate about architecture, we at Tsing-Tien Making thrive on embracing challenges and infusing each project with innovative experimentation,' she says. Beyond her first completed project, featured here, Bao adds that there's more to come: 'Our focus extends to a range of exciting undertakings, including the development of a retirement house, the restoration of a scientist’s former residence, and the conceptualisation of a private collector’s room.'

While Bao credits her travels and exposure to international architecture as key influences in her work, she stresses that her roots are equally important. 'Upon returning to Suzhou, I observed a discernible gap in public awareness and perceptions of design. This challenge presents an opportunity to introduce and experiment with novel architectural concepts that could enrich the local landscape. My intention is to bridge this gap by integrating global architectural principles with local sensibilities, thereby fostering a more informed and appreciative public discourse around design.

‘Moreover, my vernacular roots have profoundly shaped my architectural perceptions and methodologies. Growing up immersed in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Suzhou, I developed a deep-seated appreciation for traditional aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the harmonious integration of built environments with natural surroundings. This background has instilled in me a unique perspective that values both the preservation of cultural identity and the pursuit of contemporary innovation.'

What: Zhang Taiyan's former residence

Twentieth-century Chinese scholar Zhang Taiyan's former residence has been redesigned and reopened as a domestic museum in his home town of Suzhou. Also known as Zhang Garden, the residence was built between 1911 and 1949 and comprises three buildings, surrounded by a green, walled garden.

The southernmost structure was preserved as a museum, while the other two contain the extensive bookshop and its café – both designed by Tsing-Tien Making – and communal areas.

Tsing-Tien Making worked on a design that draws on the setting's natural foliage tones, bringing a selection of shades of green into the composition. Materials blend timber in natural tones and metal, which was used in a modular manner in the shelving and displays.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

ttmaking.com

TigerQi Architecture is a young studio based in the British Virgin Islands, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The boutique design firm founded by Lavina Liburd strives to provide elegant contemporary architecture to the wider Caribbean context, including its recent 'Beso del Sol Version 1: Rebuild' and other residential designs. Now, TigerQi Architecture has joined the Wallpaper Architects’ Directory 2024, our latest annual curated list that highlights exciting emerging studios from across the globe.

Who: TigerQi Architecture

Liburd started TigerQi Architecture in 2013, having previously worked at different firms and gained experience on a wealth of projects, from transportation and civic briefs to luxury residences and commercial buildings. With this under her belt, Liburd set up shop on her own, with a focus on a contemporary design approach that embraces simplicity and minimalism.

Due to the climate and topography of its secluded Caribbean home, the practice centres on three key principles; creating healthy buildings that support the social health and wellbeing of its clients; embracing hillside living to maximise views and light; and creating architecture that is designed to serve its community as a whole. These underlying principles are threaded into the studio's design process, wrapped up in a tropical modernism aesthetic.

What: Beso del Sol Version 1: Rebuild

With a location as beautiful as the British Virgin Islands, it is no surprise that TigerQi designs homes to embrace the surrounding context. Beso del Sol is an example of this – a rebuild concept to transform an existing villa by embracing its traditional wood-sided façade, while slightly infusing it with tropical modernist architecture ideas and incorporating climate adaptations for a cooling indoor-outdoor living experience.

The existing villa was a two-bedroom, two-bathroom plan, including roof pavilions. The clients had asked for a four-bedroom home with an elevated swimming pool to offer sweeping views of the surrounding greenery and the ocean.

The studio proposed a concept that took on a more brutalist architecture feel while echoing the structure of the more traditional, existing villa. Concrete offers a cooling exterior and foundational interior walls. The practice added wooden doors and window frames, which were recycled from the original home on the site, alongside vertical wood slats around the stairway and hallway to make for an organic, sheltered exterior space.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

tigerqiarchitecture.com

Studio Imagine. Simply Architecture – or SI.SA – joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, making this young practice the Nigerian entry within our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: SI.SA

African culture motivates Lagos-based architecture firm SI.SA. ‘We are influenced by the abstracted forms found in African traditional art and their ability to convey power and meaning,' says founder Seun Oduwole.

Founded in 2015, the ten-person firm aims 'to make beautiful buildings that enhance the built environment’. Dedicated to the betterment of communities, SI.SA focuses on inclusive and socially responsible architectural designs. Boasting a diverse portfolio of residential, educational, and cultural projects, the practice has worked on some impressive projects, such as the colourful John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos.

Focusing on simplicity, clarity, and unity, the firm's strength lies in using design to craft compelling narratives. ‘Our ability to tell stories through visual metaphors has been well received by clients and the public,' state the team.

Over the last nine years SI.SA has sought to weave African identity into its work through contextual design. ‘Our biggest influence is our culture, expressed through African art. The abstracted sculptural forms rooted in Nigerian philosophical traditions inform our thought and application.’ Championing African heritage, SI.SA is putting African architecture on the global map. ‘We have an opportunity to create a contemporary and contextual architectural language in the Global South.'

What: Scissor House

Scissor House is a contemporary four-bedroom home located in Park View, Ikoyi. The project, set on an 850 sq m site, also includes two semi-detached townhouses to the rear. The main home at the front has a gate and grounds for parking while the rear semi-detached homes have a separate entrance for added privacy.

‘A friend approached me to design a contemporary family house on a tight plot,’ says Oduwole. Despite the small site, ‘we were able to find a simple and elegant solution to challenging constraints’.

He continues, 'A central entrance and feature stair connects accommodation wings on either side, like an open pair of scissors.’

The form of the angular dwelling was generated by deconstructing planes to create compelling spaces. As you enter, light softly filters through the skylight down into the lobby. A lofty atrium gives the interior a calm and tranquil feel as the white walls and furniture are cleverly contrasted by bold black accents. Here, a wooden staircase with a glass balustrade guides you up the building as you venture to the private quarters. At the top of the dwelling, residents can enjoy the terraces that are masterfully framed by cantilevered beams.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

si.sa.com

Studio Collaboratorio, a young Finnish practice, is part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Studio Collaboratorio

This young Helsinki practice was founded in 2016 by Finnish architect Kristiina Kuusiluoma and Italian architect Martino De Rossi. Together, the duo formed Studio Collaboratorio, a dynamic emerging practice aiming to 'create beautiful habitats by using natural and ecological materials while at the same time paying close attention to the place and its history: more beauty, communality, affordability and humanity! Interactive cooperation, profound ecology and long life cycle are at the heart of everything.'

This studio revels in challenges, and what it doesn't already know, it can't wait to sink its teeth into – as with Villa Koppar, seen here, where the architects explored rammed-earth building elements, adapted to the Finnish climate and technology.

What influences them? ‘Definitely vernacular architecture and solutions that have been tested for hundreds, thousands of years. And nature. Simple, beautiful, practical, ethical solutions in one,' they say.

What: Villa Koppar

Villa Koppar is one of the young practice's most recent residential completions. Located in Finland's Inkoo, the single-family residence draws on its stunning natural surroundings, set in the Kopparnä region, some 45km out of Helsinki. Built elegantly in two volumes (the main house and the garage and guest house), the property may look simple but is the result of extensive research and sustainable architecture thinking.

Villa Koppar is an eco-friendly, geothermically heated passive house, constructed on a limited budget, using a prefabricated straw structure (Ecococon), Organowood spruce boards exterior cladding, and clay plaster interiors.

The architects explain: 'The living area, complete with a landscape sauna, is located on the upper floor, allowing for the enjoyment of the picturesque views and rocky terrain through an extended terrace. The bedrooms provide direct access to the garden on the ground floor. The interiors and lighting are characterised by their minimalist approach, utilising primarily wood and clay materials. Both floors are constructed using rammed earth (Luonnonbetoni).'

Why: Architects Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

collaboratorio.fi

Playball Studio, a young Indo-Spanish design practice, joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our latest annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Playball Studio

Established in 2017, Playball Studio is an Indo-Spanish architecture firm led by architects Celia Fernández Duque and Ronak Gangdev. Based in Rajkot, India, and Valladolid, Spain, the studio works on a range of uniquely contextual residential and commercial projects, often within urban conditions.

The word ‘Playball’ reflects the studio’s philosophy of always ‘playing ball’ and prioritising the needs of its clients. Fernández Duque and Gangdev are also conscious of the impact of their projects on the physical environment. The studio’s core strength lies in striking a harmonious balance between the organic and the technical, simplicity and refinement, and form and functionality.

Playball Studio is a culturally diverse firm, and this richness is reflected in its design process and results. The architects analyse the needs of the client and the context, and craft a specific and unique story for each project. This narrative becomes the guide for the entire design process.

Fernández Duque and Gangdev trained under the mentorship of leading architects, such as Glenn Murcutt, Jean-Philippe Vassal, Richard Leplastrier, and Peter Stutchbury, and have also worked in the studios of critically renowned architects including Stephane Paumier, Rajesh Renganathan, and Iype Chacko.

What: Plot 33

Playball Studio’s office and the duo's main residence in Rajkot, India, showcases the firm’s trademark design philosophy. Known as Plot 33, the three-storey building is in the heart of Rajkot in a crowded residential neighbourhood. The structure houses an office on the ground level, while the first floor features a living area, and the second floor is given over to the architects' private quarters. The third floor is a multipurpose space with guest and activity rooms. Plot 33 is a study in how to balance the indoors and outdoors, work and life, and privacy and openness.

Perforated metal panels and curvilinear components help bring in natural light and keep the office cool, while also adding to the space’s uniqueness. ​​The metal façade converts harsh sunbeams into a soft light entering the space.

A courtyard on the north edge ​​creates a harmonious look and seamlessly connects with the outdoors. All levels are woven together through a series of green terraces, contributing to the indoor-outdoor balance. The terraces feature cast in-situ flooring using waste kota stone pieces organised in a random pattern.

Inside the property, an open-plan configuration allows furniture pieces to act as space-defining elements, while flooring – unified throughout – comprises hand-crafted terrazzo tiles made with chips from marble waste and glass bottles.

Plot 33’s architectural design efficiently opens up to and yet shelters from the local climate, while ensuring that the space maintains a continuous visual connection with the city’s surrounding green spaces and the sky.

Why: Architects Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

playballstudio.com

Based in Toronto, architecture and art studio Svima was founded in 2020 by Anamarija Korolj and Leon Lai, who draw inspiration from the ever-changing context of cities, and design in order to create positive symbiotic relationships - whether that be natural, built or even digital. The studio’s Passageway House - a private residence near the Danube River in Novi Sad, Serbia - showcases its aesthetic sensitivity which reflects the duo’s Eastern European and Asian heritage, and is ultimately expressed through their Canadian identity. Now, the young practice joins the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024.

Who: Svima

Starting the practice five years ago Korolj and Lai, looked towards nature and ecology. During our era of mass construction, the studio fine-tunes its mission by focusing on three key pillars: air, light and greenery. With this in mind, their designs draw on the blossoming biomes of Canada, while balancing a human-centric approach, ensuring that the client receives a design that provides ample access to nature. The studio's portfolio brings together a series of schemes that nod towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Seeing themselves as ‘not only as designers of buildings but as stewards of human experience’, Korolj and Lai seek to unite art and architecture to ‘continuously leverage the two mediums as vehicles with a reciprocal relationship in pushing the boundaries of the visual and spatial expressions.’ The creative duo strives to implement projects with a sense of place, resilience and inclusivity, ‘reflecting the essence of what it means to be Canadian.’

What: Passageway House

Located near the banks of the Danube River, Passageway House is a calming nook off a shared courtyard, sheltered from the Novi Sad city bustle. It was designed for a couple looking to downsize and aspired to live in the historical Serbian city. The plot is quaint, positioned off a pasaž, a semi-private passageway that follows the local vernacular, and overlooking a green courtyard shared with other families. Venturing inside, the home feels fresh and crisp, with clean white walls and high ceilings that allow for an abundance of natural light and an airy feel.

The clients are enthusiastic about contemporary Japanese minimalism - nods to which have been threaded through the design. Thin steel stair posts naturally expand the gaze towards the ceiling, opening up the space. Storage is cleanly tucked away behind white panels. The result creates a calming sanctuary within its busy urban context.

Why: Wallpaper* Architects Directory

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

svima.ca

The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 includes Studio Argus, a young practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Studio Argus

Architect Margit Argus brings more than 20 years of experience in interior design, fine arts, and architecture to her young and fast-emerging architecture studio. The practice, based in Tallinn, is rooted in a Nordic aesthetic, bringing together local Estonian vernacular and a fine attention to detail. Current projects include a seaside hotel in Tallinn, a high-rise residential building, and a university campus in Tallinn, alongside a handful of schools and single-family houses.

'The opportunity to create unique, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces; the ability to translate visions into tangible structures is a powerful motivator for us,' says Argus, but 'the biggest influence on Studio Argus' practice is our dedication to merging historical preservation with contemporary innovation. This approach drives our work, where we seek to honor the past while creating functional, modern spaces.'

What: House in Suurupi

The beautifully minimalist House in Suurupi is one of the studio's latest residential completions. Conceived as an archetypal gabled house, the home for a private family is made from natural materials and blends into its forest context, as it sits on a large, tree-filled plot. The interiors are spacious, featuring Nordic brightness, functionality, and plenty of natural light, blending high-quality materials with warm natural tones.

The home's living spaces contain a main sitting area, the dining room, an open kitchen, a home theatre, and a sauna complex. The whole was conceived to engage in dialogue with the greenery outside, which remains almost always visible through the property's large windows. The project was created in collaboration with Estonian architecture studio LUMIA.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

studioargus.com

The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 includes Mast, a young practice joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Mast

Mast, founded in 2021 by Australian architect Marshall Blecher and Danish maritime designer and architect Magnus Maarbjerg, is on a mission to improve the relationship between the city and the sea.

'We are motivated by the amazing potential that comes from reconnecting with water, as we have seen the amazing effect that even small improvements to water access and quality can produce in cities,' Blecher explains.

Specialising in architecture on or near water, the duo have completed several small structures floating around Copenhagen harbour. There is the 20 sq m tiny prototype floating island KBHØ1 (KBH for Copenhagen and Ø for island) with its 6m tall Linden tree; and the portable ‘harbour bath’, or Dyppezone, which can be freely moved around the city’s waterways, creating intimate bathing experience along its way.

Our favourite is perhaps the recently finished floating Sauna KFF, developed in collaboration with Copenhagen City. Complete with a cold water plunge pool, this has export potential to any place with a clean body of water and a sauna-hungry population.

Mast also works on larger-scale projects, like the transformation of a sand quarry outside of Milan and a proposal for a floating hotel in an abandoned salt production facility in southern Portugal.

What: Houseboat Svenborgsund

Extending the life of a discontinued car ferry from 1947 into a two-storey houseboat was what made Blecher and Maarbjerg formally join their previously separate offices into Mast and set their direction towards working with maritime architecture.

'The houseboat started out as a 1940s Danish car ferry with a timber hull. Many ferries like this once served the small islands around Denmark but have been decommissioned as bridges have been built and modern ferries have replaced them,' Blecher explains.

With the help of the nearby professional shipyard Krohns Bådbyggeri, Maarbjerg and Blecher designed and built the houseboat over 18 months. 'Almost all the interior, including the flooring, kitchen cabinets and the staircase are made of solid Danish oak to keep the materials authentic and close to the original,' Maarbjerg explains. The lower floors consist of a large master bedroom, bathroom, a lounge area and a workshop. The upper deck is kept as one large 22m-long living, kitchen, and lounge area.

The old wheelhouse was renovated and added back on top of the vessel; it has become a small bar with access to the old lookout platform that now serves as a small terrace.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

mast.dk

The Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024 features Brown Urbanism. Here's why the young practice is joining our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios.

Who: Brown Urbanism

Richard Brown's Brown Urbanism was born some ten years ago, as a London-based architecture and urbanism design practice with a mission to 'create better places for people to inhabit that are inclusive, engaging and meaningful'. As part of this philosophy, the studio works on a range of typologies and scales, including commercial, residential, retail and hospitality; always with a focus on sustainable, low-cost, high-impact design.

'Simple, well-thought-through design that works for the client while creating distinctive and meaningful urban environments,' says Brown. 'We are interested in how design can better reflect, support and enable new ways of inhabiting and experiencing space. We are particularly interested in how the home can support the complexities of life’s requirements – from working from home and experiencing nature to treating the home as a performative cultural place.'

Drawing the practice's origins in the creative communities of east London, and blending that experience with Brown's years of research, community engagement and urban interventions, this is a practice that thrives in a pragmatic, yet highly creative approach. Its motivation is to highlight a range of cultural attitudes, sustainable ethics and practical material knowledge.

Brown adds: 'The biggest influence on the practice is inclusivity in all forms. Throughout all our project sectors, we are working hard to ensure that spaces, [both] public and private, are accessible, welcoming and easy to use for all. We are finding ways to make architecture as practice more financially accessible to a wider range of clients wishing to plan space for the future.'

What: Triangle House

Triangle House is an impressive, yet tiny triangular, self-built 40 sq m home in north London. Set within the confines of a former mechanics garage in West Hampstead, Camden, the award-winning project (claiming a prize in 2024 Don't Move, Improve) is compact and inventive, making the most of difficult, dense urban circumstances.

'We worked with the client to create a home of contradictions: small in plan and generous in volume; private from the street yet open and expansive in its interior outlook. We wanted to create a prototypical “work-home”, not just a workplace and not just a home. It would be a typology defined by neither identity. Instead, it would be a place that supports a range of activities,' Brown explains.

Why: Architects’ Directory 2024

Conceived in 2000 as an international index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. While always championing the best and most promising young studios, over the years, the project has showcased inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 24th edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios from Australia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, the UK, the USA, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.

brownurbanism.com