Architecture and design publication Dezeen has announced its selection of the most impressive residential projects from August 2025, featuring a diverse collection of homes from Australia, Sweden, Belgium, and Italy. The monthly roundup showcases innovative architectural approaches ranging from traditional farmhouse renovations to minimalist summer retreats, highlighting the global diversity in contemporary residential design.

Leading the selection is the Omloop Farmhouse in Belgium, designed by Hé! Architecture studio. The project involved inserting a glazed timber and metal volume into the roof of a traditional Flemish home, creating a new living space on the upper floor. Set within a hilly landscape, the renovation was specifically designed to improve the home's connection with nature while establishing a more compact and efficient internal layout. The project demonstrates how contemporary architectural interventions can enhance historic structures without compromising their original character.

From Australia, two standout projects made the list, beginning with Mygunyah by the Circus in Melbourne by Matt Gibson Architecture & Design. The Australian studio added two contrasting brick extensions to a 19th-century terraced house, both informed by Arts and Crafts-style architecture. The extensions were added to the long, narrow home in North Fitzroy to accommodate a family of seven, transforming the space to better suit modern family living while respecting the architectural heritage of the original structure.

The second Australian project, Birdwood in Brisbane, was designed by architect Peter Besley. This innovative home is wrapped in perforated screens made from reclaimed terracotta brick and metal mesh designed for climbing plants. Located at the base of Mount Coot-tha, Birdwood was specifically designed for a multi-generational family seeking a dwelling where they could age in place comfortably. The project emphasizes sustainability through material reuse and creates a living facade that changes with the seasons.

Representing Scandinavian design excellence, Horsö in Sweden was created by Bross and Nick Flygt. This minimalist summer house is finished in untreated wood to complement its woodland surroundings in Kalmar. The architects designed the house to offer expansive views while maintaining a "low-key presence" that minimally disrupts the natural environment. The project exemplifies the Scandinavian approach to architecture that emphasizes harmony between built and natural environments.

Completing the selection is the Patio House in Italy, designed by architecture practice Solum. Located on a coastal site in Sicily, the project features a narrow alleyway that winds between monolithic, blocky volumes, serving as the entrance to the house. The studio deliberately contrasted the open views of the sea at one end of the home with "labyrinthine" spaces at the other, creating a dynamic spatial experience that plays with the relationship between openness and enclosure. The project demonstrates how contemporary Italian architecture continues to innovate while responding to specific site conditions and coastal environments.