HOUSE AT 9,000 FEET

ARCHITECT: MACKAY-LYONS SWEETAPPLE ARCHITECTS
INTERMOUNTAIN REGION, USA
MLSARCHITECTS.CA

Perched at 9,000 feet in the Intermountain Region, this breathtaking five-bedroom ski house defies gravity with a design tailored to the dramatic terrain, where it “floats” on steel stilts, accessed by a bridge. Built to embrace 40 feet of annual snowfall and intense winds, the home captures expansive views of the valley and mountains through a continuous 88-foot window seat along its south side, maximizing passive solar gain. Inside, a vaulted cedar ceiling rises above the great room, anchored by a 24-foot soapstone hearth-kitchen island and warmed by clear white ash floors. The structure’s 100-foot elliptical form is clad in red cedar, while its concrete core accommodates four guest rooms, a media room, and a ski-in/ski-out entry on the ground level, all crafted to “touch the land lightly” and blend harmoniously with the rugged landscape.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIC LEHOUX

ATELIER MATERI

BOIS D’AMBRETTE
$250 USD
SCENTSPLIT.COM

A composition around a lesser known vegetal musk: the multifaceted ambrette. The ambrette seeds are hand harvested scattered within the tropical dry forests of northern Peru. Sun-dried, sifted, cleaned and aired, they eventually release floral and powdery accents together with musk and amber notes. Here, the perfumer Marie Hugentobler chooses to fully express these rich and complex facets. Following the crisp and luminous opening of the mandarin and angelica, the sensual and slightly carnal notes from the ambrette unfold, and settle with restraint and elegance in a base of sandalwood and ambroxan creating a not so innocent skin scent. Deceptively seductive, this smooth, fresh skin musk evolves to reveal rich, warm woods.

GIUSEPPE LAGUARDIA

DIGITAL CREATOR
GIUSEPPELAGUARDIA.COM

If you could create a signature dish that represents your personality and lifestyle, what would it be and why?

The dish that would represent my personality and lifestyle is Spaghetti with seafood. It’s a combination of fresh and bold flavors, just like me: I’m dynamic, always on the move, but I also appreciate moments of calm to savor the simple and authentic things in life. This dish reflects my love for the sea and my desire to blend tradition with modernity.

What are the three items you always have stocked in your fridge, and why are they indispensable to your daily life?

In my fridge, you’ll always find eggs, meat, and vegetables. Eggs are versatile, quick, and nutritious, perfect for my fast meals. Meat provides the protein I need to stay energized and strong. Vegetables represent balance, bringing freshness and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

If you could design your dream car garage with any three vehicles, what would they be and what personal significance do they hold for you?

In my dream garage, there would be a Land Rover SUV, a strong and spacious vehicle to take my family anywhere. Then an Audi RS8 for me, symbolizing speed and performance for those moments when I want something more personal and exhilarating. Lastly, a camper, for traveling and living on the road with family and friends, free from schedules and limitations.

What’s the boldest fashion choice you’ve ever made, and how did it reflect your personality or current phase of life?

The boldest fashion choice I’ve made is wearing street style outfits. It’s not my usual style and requires some effort to pull off, but I try to wear it in a way that resonates both with me and my followers, blending comfort with style in a balance between innovation and authenticity.

If you could add one extraordinary feature to your home that reflects your style and interests, what would it be and how would it enhance your living experience?

If I could add one extraordinary feature to my home, it would be a room dedicated to a photography studio. It would give me a space to express my creativity and capture special moments, enhancing the quality of both my work and everyday life.

If you were to create a custom fragrance that embodies your essence, what notes would it include and what memories or feelings would it evoke?

My current fragrance is Seminalis by Orto Parisi. If I were to create a custom fragrance, it would include notes of patchouli, tobacco, and vanilla. These scents evoke feelings of peace, serenity, and warmth, helping me find an inner calm and sense of reflection.

What’s your guilty pleasure in food or drink that might surprise people who know you for your sophisticated taste?

My guilty pleasure when it comes to food? Definitely kebabs and McDonald’s. It’s not something most people would expect from me, given my typically sophisticated tastes, but indulging in these foods occasionally is a small pleasure that makes me smile.

What is one timeless piece of clothing or accessory in your wardrobe that you believe every man should own, and why does it hold such importance for you?

A tailored suit is a timeless piece every man should own. For me, it’s essential because it fits any occasion, from formal events to important dinners, embodying elegance and confidence. 

If you could write the next chapter of your life, what new ventures or passions would you explore, and how do you envision this chapter unfolding?

In the next chapter of my life, I’d love to travel much more with my family, exploring new places and cultures. I’d like to capture these unique moments through photography, creating lasting memories and maybe even starting new projects related to photography.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIUSEPPE LAGUARDIA

CASA ODYSSIA

ARCHITECTS: KONSTANTINOS STATHOPOULOS AND KRAK. ARCHITECTS
CORFU, GREECE
KONSTANTINOSSTATHOPOULOS.COM

Casa Odyssia invites modern-day men to discover their own Ithaca, nestled in the lush northeastern hills of Corfu. At 250 meters above sea level, this serene retreat blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, growing among trees and rocks to offer stunning views and optimal sunlight. Designed around a central pillar, the structure unfolds in endless motion, with raw concrete forming spaces, boundaries, and breathtaking vistas. The residence, a seamless fusion of interior and exterior, opens up to a 180-degree view, with large, bright spaces that merge with the landscape during the summer. Minimalist lines, mirrors, and special lighting enhance the sense of infinite movement, making Casa Odyssia a tranquil haven of rest and reflection. Its 142 square meters can even be expanded, using the central pillar for future vertical extensions. Just like the rocks anchoring it to the wild landscape, Casa Odyssia is a refuge from urban life—an inspiring retreat where rest, meditation, and hospitality come together. Here, concrete transforms into a dreamlike home, guiding the guest on their own journey to Ithaca.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KONSTANTINOS STATHOPOULOS AND KRAK. ARCHITECTS