Modernist architecture was born in response to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation in the early 20th century, pioneered by visionary architects such as Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius.
While early Modernism often leaned heavily into sharp, industrial geometries, a parallel evolution emerged: architecture that directly reflects and responds to its surrounding environment. By blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, these buildings utilize organic materials, biophilic design, and local topography to create true harmony between the landscape and human habitation.
Falling Water, Frank Lloyd Wright
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, this iconic Pennsylvania residence remains the supreme example of organic Modernism. Built directly over an active waterfall, the house embodies Wright’s philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. Reinforced concrete balconies extend over the rushing water, mimicking the natural rock ledges of the surrounding forest.
Wright clearly integrated biophilic elements into his design, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and local fieldstone fireplaces which invite the changing seasons directly into the living spaces.
The best time to visit this historic landmark is all year round, with different experiences created by the changing foliage and weather. The building continuously adapts to its environment, transforming visually from lush summer foliage to frozen winter landscapes.
Frey House II, Albert Frey
Perched on the hillside at the West end of Tahquitz Canyon Way, this building was the long-time residence of architect Albert Frey for over 30 years.
The house overlooks the extensive landscape of Coachella Valley, and is a notable example of Desert Modernism, embodying the traits of the style with its simplistic design. The architecture of the house unmistakably takes consideration from the landscape, blending the concrete base and steel frames into the rocky hillside.
Modernist architecture blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, the seamless transitions between inside and out employ biophilic design to create a deep connection to the environment. Moving away from distinctly Modernist features, the following buildings demonstrate a continued integration of biophilic elements, surrounding landscapes, and traditional Modernist tropes of structural honesty and geometric forms.
Bosco Verticale, Stefano Boeri Architetti
Moving beyond classic Modernist tropes, contemporary architects continue to refine how structures interact with both natural ecosystems and dense urban landscapes.
Based in the centre of Milan, this residential building concentrates five hectares of parkland onto two buildings as a vertical forest. Designed to contribute to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity, It impressively hosts 800 trees, 4,500 shrubs, and 20,000 plants.
Designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti, the architectural choices were made in consideration of what would be most beneficial for the growth of the plants and vegetation. The design of the facade features staggered balconies, which were spaced based on the expected growth of the canopies, allowing the plants to flourish
Unlike most modern skyscrapers which have window cleaners, this building has an entrusted team of Flying Gardeners, who manage the maintenance of the trees and plants.
Hut and Tower House, Onishimaki + Hyakudayuki
, architectural firm Onishimaki + Hyakudayuki responded to the dense, hyper-urban nature of the Japanese capital with the Hut and Tower House. The building responds to the urban nature of Tokyo city, and is designed to negotiate privacy and social engagement.
The architecture of this home challenges traditional residential design as it separates functions across three stacked structures. An external staircase is integrated into the exterior wall, creating a dynamic, upward-moving experience. Demonstrating how experimental architecture can fit into a compact city plot through a response to the surrounding landscape.
Mannal House, Denizen Works
Located on the southeast tip of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, Mannal House by Denizen Works demonstrates how modern residential architecture can honour rural heritage. Denizen Works completed this four-bedroom property, which recalls the structure of the cowshed it replaced.
In conversation with Dezeen, the architects note the impact of the existing environment on the design of the house, "These agricultural relics drove the formal organisation of the house and in particular the ruins of the gabled byre."
The house is designed with large sections of glass that provide views over the sea, looking towards mainland Scotland. The impact of the local environment doesn’t just stop at the views. The architects used materials that responded to the local vernacular, such as black bitumen-coated timber, and designed the exterior to reference the traditional barn buildings, paying homage to the original ruins that existed on the land.
Whether through the dramatic cantilevers of Fallingwater or the living, oxygen-producing facades of Milan's vertical forests, architecture that harmonises with its environment proves that human structures do not need to dominate nature, they can celebrate, protect, and become part of it.
Images: Palm Springs Art Museum, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Dimitar Harizanov, Shinkenchiku-sha, Gilbert McCarragher.
