Architecture Property Galleries

Artistry & Innovation: 9 Contemporary Homes

Ahead of Christie’s forthcoming Contemporary Edition sale, Luxury Defined spotlights a collection of ultramodern homes.

Every age has considered itself “modern” and “contemporary,” and transmitted that self-image through its art and architecture. Here on offer is a message from our own age: masterpieces of modern and contemporary art—from Andy Warhol’s Pop Art soup cans to the street art-inspired works of Banksy—at Christie’s forthcoming Contemporary Edition sale (online from September 10-23). Highlights include an eclectic selection of Post-War and Contemporary prints and multiples, including works by William Kentridge, Damien Hirst, Alex Katz, George Condo, and Jeff Koons. The sale is led by Bridget Riley’s early masterpiece Untitled (Based on Primitive Blaze), 1962, and by the portfolio of four screen prints after Jean-Michel Basquiat (Wolf Sausage, King Brand, Dog Leg Study, Undiscovered Genius), 1982-83/2019. Inspired by the sale, Luxury Defined spotlights nine exemplars of contemporary residential architecture, where luxury, comfort, and elegant design engage with the world and what critic Robert Hughes called the engine of modernism: “the shock of the new.”

Lone Mountain Contemporary in Scottsdale, Arizona

This contemporary home’s geometric, concrete and steel façade blends into the rocky, cactus-strewn landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

This award-winning contemporary home has a spectacular setting on Lone Mountain, bordering a nature trust in the Sonoran Desert. The geometric rooflines and concrete block and steel façade create synergy with the desert landscape. Inside, tigerwood and maple floors frame the contemporary living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors allow for seamless indoor-outdoor living and offer panoramic views of the mountains and the city lights. The flow between the great room, formal dining room, bar, and chef’s kitchen makes for effortless living and entertaining. There are four bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and five half bathrooms. The principal suite is a private retreat with an extensive patio and a spa-like bathroom nestled into the mountain to take in the views. The outdoor living, dining, and recreation spaces are equally alluring; among them are an alfresco dining area and an infinity pool with spa.

Contemporary Townhouse in Manhattan Beach, California

Solid construction, sleek interior design, and Pacific Ocean views define this brand new contemporary townhome in Manhattan Beach.

This brand new contemporary townhouse sits on one of the highest points in Manhattan Beach, offering panoramic  views stretching from Palos Verdes to Malibu. The 2,800-square-foot home was developed by Balios Capital, designed by architect Michael Lee, with interiors by renowned designer Joe Lucas. The top floor deck is a showstopper with one of the best views in Manhattan Beach. The great room, anchored by French oak flooring and floor-to-ceiling Fleetwood glass doors to capture ocean water views from every vantage, has a living area with alabaster travertine fireplace and media wall, a dining area, wet bar, and opens to a barbecue deck. The chef’s kitchen is a stunning display of Calacatta marble, brass finishes, and Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. The owner’s suite, located on the entrance level, has a custom walk-in closet and striking spa-like bathroom. Three sleek bedrooms on the lower level each have a signature bathroom, honed concrete floors, and Fleetwood doors and windows. This home presents a rare, turnkey opportunity to live in a highly sought-after beachfront location, steps to white sand beaches and minutes to Los Angeles International Airport.

Ultramodern Home in Toronto, Canada

This striking home in midtown Toronto has a gallery-like floor plan ideal for showcasing contemporary art.

This ultra-modern townhouse, situated in a leafy enclave of Midtown Toronto, stands out with its bold, linear design. The dazzling metal and glass exterior encloses cool contemporary living spaces. UV-protected floor-to-ceiling double thermal windows bring in the light and the views of the city skyline, including the CN Tower. The 3,000-square-foot interiors resemble a loft in both scale and design. Gallery walls, 12-foot-high ceilings, many with skylights, LED and Lutron lighting, and glass wall partitioning will appeal to the art collector. Dark wood floors and window frames contrast with the cream palette and create a frame for bold works of art and sculpture. The appointments include a first-floor office, family room, and great room. There are three light-filled bedrooms on the second level, and an additional fourth bedroom/guest suite and media/recreation room on the garden level. The designer touches include solid core interior doors, curtain walls, and a striking glass-framed staircase. The outdoor spaces include a south-facing balcony and a maintenance-free garden with stone patio, cedar fencing, and lush foliage for privacy.

Penthouse 51/52W at One Beacon Court, New York, New York

Penthouse 51/52W at One Beacon Court is a sky-high contemporary duplex designed by architectural legend Charles Gwathmey.

One Beacon Court, Midtown Manhattan’s most established business address and premier luxury condominium residence, is a triumph of contemporary architecture. Penthouse 51/52W is the only residential duplex in the building and the largest in the Midtown area. Soaring more than 700 feet above the city, the sky-high residence was redesigned with five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms by architectural legend Charles Gwathmey. The palatial home features awe-inspiring, 24-foot double-height ceilings in the living room, a chef’s eat-in-kitchen, separate floors for entertaining and living, a nearly 2,000-square-foot master suite, dual home offices, as well as media and family rooms, separate staff quarters, and 400 linear feet of 12-foot-high windows that frame spectacular views of Central Park, the East and Hudson Rivers, and the city skyline.

A Flawless Modern Masterpiece in Portland, Oregon

Renowned architectural firm Thompson Vaivoda & Associates designed this flawless modern masterpiece at the edge of Portland’s Forest Park.

The Lakota Residence sits on 10 gated acres at the edge of Forest Park in Portland, Oregon. This architectural tour de force was a seven-year collaboration between the owners and Ned Vaivoda, the principal architect with the award-winning firm of Thompson Vaivoda & Associates. The three-level home is defined by its striking façade of Mariotti travertine, which frames the mountain peaks beyond. The expansive interiors are illuminated by two-story windows. The main level includes a dining area, living room, and chef’s kitchen. The upper level houses three bedrooms, including a master suite that cantilevers over the main-level terrace, and an adjacent home office. The lower level is dedicated to the 50-foot indoor lap pool and steam room, and cutting-edge media center with multi-seat theater, game room, and professional music studio.

Mount Alverno in Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Mount Alverno is a contemporary coastal retreat with panoramic views across Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.

Mount Alverno is an understated and unique contemporary home on the finest site in Dalkey, County Dublin, offering unrivaled views of Dublin Bay, Howth, Dalkey Island, Killiney Bay, and the Wicklow Mountains. The 7,050-square-foot, two-story structure was designed by the owners alongside architects de Blacam & Meagher to blend forward-thinking design with functionality. The property merges seamlessly with the natural granite outcrops, a design realized by a team of international craftsmen. There are several reception areas, five bedroom suites, and an acre of landscaped gardens—all designed to take full advantage of the spectacular, elevated position. Located on Sorrento Road, the property is a short walk to Dalkey village and nine miles from Dublin City Centre.

Modernist Beach Villa in Los Cabos, Mexico

Modern eco-architecture and the natural beauty of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula meld seamlessly at Casa Tierra, a contemporary villa in Puerto Los Cabos.

Casa Tierra is sited on two prime lots in the resort community of Puerto Los Cabos. The dwelling demonstrates modern eco-architecture at its finest with rammed-earth walls, a wood-and-metal roof, and contemporary natural finishes in every room. The fluid open-plan interiors are ideal for social gatherings and luxurious family living. Three private sleeping quarters and two traditional casitas, and six bathrooms provide amply for owners and their guests. Outside, a tranquil paradise awaits: gathering areas for parties large and small and a splendid infinity pool and terrace framed by far-reaching views to the Sea of Cortez. A playroom and a volleyball court, staff accommodation, and a two-car garage are among the amenities.

Coastal Contemporary in Ashigarashimo-Gun, Japan

Contemporary architecture and ancient Japanese traditions merge at this sleek oceanfront residence on the Manazuru peninsula.

Built in harmony with the sea, Galleria Costa is an 8.5-acre oceanfront estate framed against the breathtaking backdrop of Sagami Bay on the Manazuru Peninsula, within an hour and a half of Tokyo. The multi-level contemporary residence features vast windows and light-filled living spaces which showcase the dramatic views. Magnificent vistas of Sagami Bay are the focal point of the palatial living and dining room, while the outdoor pool and Rotenburo open-air hot spring baths create an infinity view of sea and sky. A deck is ideal for alfresco entertaining. The home is equipped with the latest resort-inspired amenities: gym and wellness center with mist and stone saunas, Jacuzzi, and treatment room; home theater with karaoke system; state-of-the-art golf simulator; and a tennis court.

Countryside Villa in Bosch en Duin, Netherlands

Nearly 10 years in the making, this sleek contemporary villa takes inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and offers 23,000 square feet of exquisite craftsmanship across seven levels.

Biltseweg 7 is set in eight forested acres in the Dutch village of Bosch en Duin, near Amsterdam. The seven-level, 23,282-square-foot contemporary residence, which took a decade to complete, was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture. Stone gates with lamp posts and steel garden walls open to the estate’s formal grounds. The jewel-like façade is composed of white stone, glass, and brushed-aluminum. At the entrance, a huge arcade, crafted from Jerusalem Gold limestone, is illuminated by an LED installation. Lavish appointments include a double-height living room with dazzling views over a pond, a library with walnut and cherrywood floors, an elevator, a sumptuous master suite, separate guest apartment, 20-seat home theater, and a wellness center with swimming pool, spa, and gym.