Glass houses don’t just exist in a popular saying–they’re luxury houses that make a design statement. Whimsical yet modern, they don’t offer traditional privacy, but are often built in secluded areas that offer great views. Other houses in more urban areas have creative landscaping or pattered-glass solutions to provide privacy along with the illusion of a transparent facade. With such a modern design, glass houses rely upon their lush outdoor surroundings as the focal point for decoration.
1. Sydney, Australia
This luxury glass tree house designed by Uts-Sanby Architects is perfectly situated on a steep mountain slope. A covered deck and kitchen terrace are great for feeling close to nature and entertaining, while the forested location gives privacy from the nearby street. The interior is mostly white with silver trim, emphasizing the spectacular green view outside.
2. Montecito, United States
Self-described as architect Steve Hermann’s greatest achievement, this house, named the “Glass Pavilion,” has all-glass luxury Starphire walls, even in private rooms like the bathroom and shower. It’s over 14,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and bathrooms, a wine room, and enormous art gallery space that can hold 32 cars. While this imposing style isn’t for everyone, happy clients have included Christina Aguilera and Courtney Cox.
3. Quepos, Costa Rica
This pod-shaped home by the Naranjo River has walls of curved glass on the two luxurious floors. The glass windows provide tons of natural light, as well as wraparound views of the pool and palm trees. It’s the perfect secluded home for hosting guests, with the numerous bedrooms, infinity edge pool that wraps around the ground floor, BBQ, landscaped tropical garden, helipad, and sun terrace.
4. Beverly Hills, United States
This glass house makes a splash in otherwise private Beverley Hills, where traditional walled mansions are more popular. Designed by architect Edward Niles, glass pavilions surround a central sculpture gallery. Privacy is achieved from walls of patterned glass and walls of large trees. The house’s design also showcases the owner’s large art collection, integrating the art into the architecture of the house while also reducing glare and providing striking lighting.
5. Highgate Cemetery, England
Built right in the middle of Highgate Cemetery in England, this location may be creepy to some. A three-story glass house surrounded by 19th-century graves, it affords complete privacy while simultaneously being exposed. The modern glass building, built out of materials that reference the cemetery like granite, strikingly contrasts with the nearby graves, which bring the real ornamentation to this austere house.
