Sambuca di Sicilia, a picturesque village in Italy, gained international fame in 2019 with its innovative scheme to auction off old homes for as low as one euro. This campaign aimed to revitalize the local economy by attracting new residents and investors to rejuvenate its abandoned properties. The town repeated the initiative in 2021 with starting bids at two euros and is now preparing for a third round with bids beginning at three euros. This year, around a dozen properties are up for auction, with Mayor Giuseppe Cacioppo highlighting the substantial economic boost from previous sales, which injected 20 million euros into the local economy. These properties, featuring charming courtyards and iron-wrought balconies, require significant repairs but are deemed structurally stable. Prospective buyers must place a 5,000 euro deposit to participate, ensuring serious commitments to renovating the homes within three years, a term the town has been flexible with due to the pandemic.

The viral property sales have placed Sambuca di Sicilia firmly on the map, attracting international buyers eager to own a piece of Italian heritage. Since the start of the initiative, 250 homes have been sold outside the original auctions, underscoring the scheme’s popularity. One notable buyer, Meredith Tabbone from Chicago, secured a property for 5,555 euros in the first auction without having seen it in person. Her subsequent purchase of a neighboring building and extensive renovations totaling 425,000 euros illustrate the significant investments these low-cost homes can entail. Despite the challenges, Tabbone found personal fulfillment and a sense of community in Sambuca di Sicilia, aligning with the town’s renaissance. Her experience highlights the appeal of a slower, more meaningful lifestyle in a historically rich setting, and she plans to keep her home in the family, eventually donating it to the village, symbolizing a lasting legacy of the revival scheme.

Perched majestically atop the cliffs of Bali, the Private Jet Villa stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and repurposing creativity. Once a Boeing 737 aircraft soaring the Indonesian skies, this luxurious abode now offers a unique living experience suspended 150 meters above sea level. Crafted by the skilled hands of Geometrium Studio, the villa seamlessly marries the sleek lines of aviation with the tranquility of its natural surroundings. From the moment one steps through the fuselage door, they are greeted by an interior that exudes elegance and comfort. Every corner of the villa tells a story of meticulous design and thoughtful utilization of space, from the bedroom nestled within the cockpit, complete with a jacuzzi, to the terraces extending from the wings, offering breathtaking views of the Balinese landscape.

Converting an aircraft into a cliffside villa posed numerous challenges, but Geometrium Studio rose to the occasion with innovative solutions and meticulous attention to detail. With limited space and unconventional dimensions to contend with, the studio ingeniously integrated curved walls, natural wood accents, and light tones to create an ambiance of serenity and sophistication. Mirrors strategically placed throughout the villa create an illusion of spaciousness, while original windows flood the interior with natural light, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor. A floating staircase gracefully connects the various sections of the villa, leading from the living room and dining area to the wings, where terraces beckon residents to immerse themselves in the beauty of Bali’s rugged coastline. As night falls and stars blanket the sky, the Private Jet Villa stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities of architectural reinvention and the enduring allure of luxury living.

The Monocoque Cabin stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity that can emerge from blending disparate inspirations. Drawing from the sleek monocoque structure of WWII aircraft, particularly the de Havilland Mosquito, British architect Peter Markos has fashioned a dwelling that transcends the conventional boundaries of tiny home design. This remarkable abode, born from Markos’ fascination with aerospace and automotive construction techniques, boasts a curving exterior reminiscent of its airborne muse, coupled with the resilience and efficiency of its monocoque design. Supported by the external skin akin to an eggshell, the Monocoque Cabin stands as a robust yet elegant retreat, harmoniously melding into its rural surroundings with a promise of longevity and grace as its timber materials weather over time.

Beyond its striking exterior, the Monocoque Cabin offers a thoughtfully designed interior space that prioritizes both functionality and comfort within its compact dimensions. Stepping inside, one is greeted by a shared living room and kitchen area, adorned with simple yet tasteful furnishings that complement the home’s minimalist aesthetic. From the breakfast bar to the cozy sofa, every element has been carefully curated to maximize utility without sacrificing style. Seamlessly connected to this communal space lies a well-appointed bathroom and a spacious bedroom, offering all the essential comforts of modern living within the confines of its diminutive footprint. With its ability to run off-grid and the flexibility to be easily assembled and relocated, the Monocoque Cabin stands as a beacon of innovation, inviting us to rethink the possibilities of tiny home living in the modern age.

The Denali XL Bunkhouse, a creation of Timbercraft Tiny Homes, emerges as a beacon of spaciousness and comfort in the realm of tiny living. Originally introduced as the Denali Tiny Home in 2017, its evolution into the Denali XL and now the Denali XL Bunkhouse marks a progression towards accommodating larger families and gatherings. Situated on a quad-axle trailer, this majestic abode spans an impressive 41.4 feet in length and 9.8 feet in width, offering an expansive interior that can comfortably house up to six individuals. Adorned with board-and-batten siding and crowned with a standing-seam metal roof, its exterior exudes a quintessential cottage charm, inviting occupants to immerse themselves in rustic tranquility. French doors grace both the living room and kitchen, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors, while inside, the warmth of shiplap walls, wood floors, and tongue-and-groove ceilings envelop residents in cozy familiarity.

Stepping into the Denali XL Bunkhouse, one is greeted by a well-appointed kitchen that defies the constraints of tiny living. Complete with a breakfast bar for two, propane-powered four-burner stove, oven, dishwasher, custom cabinetry, and refrigerator/freezer, it stands as a testament to efficiency without sacrificing comfort. A spacious living room beckons with generous glazing, bathing the interior in natural light and fostering an atmosphere of openness. The hallway reveals a large pantry, ensuring ample storage space for provisions and essentials. The bathroom, replete with a full-size bathtub and shower, flushing toilet, and vanity sink, offers a sanctuary of relaxation and convenience. Adjacent lies a stacked washer and dryer, embodying the fusion of functionality and luxury. The master bedroom, conveniently located on the ground floor, boasts ample headroom and features a king-sized bed with integrated storage and a closet, promising restful nights cocooned in comfort. In essence, the Denali XL Bunkhouse transcends the confines of its diminutive stature, embodying the epitome of tiny living without compromise.

Open AD, a Latvian architecture studio, has masterfully designed the Ziedlejas Spa and Wellness resort in Sigulda, Latvia, blending the robust elegance of Corten steel and the transparency of glass cabins to create a captivating retreat. Nestled on a sloping site with picturesque views of a tranquil pond, the resort aims to reimagine the local sauna culture with a modern and contemporary touch. Comprising two independent steam rooms and three cabins, the Glass Sauna, located at the base of the slope, harmoniously integrates with the landscape, providing a unique sauna experience with pond views. Meanwhile, the Smoke Room, built using charred logs and inspired by traditional sauna structures, offers a wooded retreat nearby.

The Corten steel and glass cabins, strategically placed at the top of the sloping site, serve as minimalistic and clutter-free accommodations. With foldaway beds, rising tables, and an additional sleeping section on the mezzanine floor, the cabins embody a subtle and welcoming atmosphere. The glazed sections of the cabins provide direct access to the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views. The bathrooms, discreetly placed within the Corten-clad sections, ensure privacy. Connecting the various structures with pathways and stone steps, the resort creates a cohesive and interconnected space, facilitating a short journey from the sauna room to the pond. Open AD emphasizes the versatility of its design, accommodating guests throughout the year, seamlessly blending with the changing seasons from snowy winters to golden autumns, lush green summers, and the serene grey moments in between.

Located  in Glyfada, in the suburbs of Athens, Greece, this tremendous property is the H2 Residence, designed by 314 Architecture Studio. The building is split into three fresh apartments, each with a floor area of 250m2, three bedrooms and an impressive view of Argosaronic Sea.

Cool H2 Apartments in Glyfada (suburbs of Athens)

The homes are based around a bioclimatic design, with the positioning under shade in the south, plus a building and water connection to create a natural cooling system to save on energy consumption.