Review: Small Innovative Houses by Philip Jodidio
Get lost in the pages of a good book—it’s the soul of any room.
Given the environmental, social and economic forces shaping our current geopolitical landscape, it’s no longer surprising to see people opting for life in smaller spaces. From escapes in rural and woodland settings to urban spaces for city dwellers, the options seem endless – and welcoming. This exciting new volume explores how these contemporary marvels don’t only reflect a need but also an aesthetic preference.
Opening with a lively introduction by Jodidio, the book features 275 pages with 275 colour photographs and 55 b/w illustrations that reveal the beauty of homes in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.
Foreseeably, most of the homes feature minimalist interiors, exteriors and palettes designed to highlight their natural surrounds. Standouts include Baumraum Architects’ Pond House and Mirrorcube House, both in Germany, as well as the Urban Cabin in the Netherlands by DUS Architects and Rooftecture OT2 in Japan by Shuhei Endo. But the most captivating residence is the inimitable Grayson Perry’s A House for Essex in the UK, by FAT Architecture.
Designed to be a relaxed, comfortable read, this volume is a friend to those looking for an armchair escape or inspiration to reinvent their lifestyle.
By Philip Jodidio
Rizzoli
The Latest
Zaha Hadid Foundation launches scholars program
The Zaha Hadid Foundation partners with the American University of Beirut to support the next generation of architectural talent.
Zayed National Museum to open in December 2025
The Foster + Partners designed striking museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Culture & Conversations
identity hosted a roundtable and workshop in honour of Emirati Women's Day in collaboration with Casamia
identity Design Awards 2025 launches
identity is excited to announce its 11th annual identity Design Awards 2025.
Dubai Design Week is back in 2025
Taking place between 4-9 November, here's what we know so far about the 11th edition of the Middle East's leading design festival.
Abu Dhabi Bright
From cultural icons to world-class entertainment, this latest book by Assouline captures the many layers of the UAE’s capital
Bold and Experimental
This villa by C'est Ici captures the bold and vibrant personality of its owners
A New Urban Destination – The Gold
Located on King Salman Road, the 32,000m2 development will redefine leisure, dining and wellness in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province
The Art of Cooling
Gaggenau’s new refrigeration series blurs the line between architecture and appliance
Designing Movement
RIMOWA’s signature grooved aluminium meets Vitra’s refined design sensibilities
A Sense of Sanctuary
We interview Tanuj Goenka, Director of Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) on the development of the latest Aman Residences in Dubai
Elevated Design
In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, DLR Group has redefined hospitality through bold architecture, regional resonance and a contemporary lens on culture at Hilton The Point