Inside an Ultra-Modern Home Inspired By Ancient Ruins | Unique Spaces | Architectural Digest

Today Architectural Digest travels to the Vancouver countryside to tour the 75.9 House. Designed by Omer Arbel, this unique structure got its name from being the 9th iteration of the 75th idea they authored in their studio. Omer’s design plays with the idea of creating future ancient structures using concrete in a soft, fluid way, letting the material dictate its form. Impressive tree-like pillars flow through the space giving the appearance of ‘found’ ruins. Join Omer for an in-depth look at the creative process and philosophy behind this unique structure.
Director: Meg Sutton
Director of Photography: Harry Hill
Editor: Leticia Villarinho
Architect: Omer Arbel
Director of Content: Keleigh Nealon
Producer: Joel Ahumada
Director of Creative Development: Morgan Crossley
Field Producer: Reegen Price
Associate Producer: Noah Bierbrier
Camera Operator: Oliver Smith
Audio Engineer: Colyn Cameron
Production Assistant: Luke Hubner
Drone Operator: Rob Antill
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: Holly Frew
Supervising Editor: Christina Mankellow; Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Special Thanks: Miranda MacDougall
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[@opusnone1]

The builder should be celebrated as much as the architect.

[@Aldna9988]

Agreed !!

[@oscarsalesgirl296]

dream on jose

[@warrenhaas]

My guy just called a shower "the place where you experience water"

[@JRimLIVE]

Let me pull out my frank so you can experience me.

[@Corey_ceo]

Yeah. It’s called romanticism… lol

[@j.a.r.family2576]

Yeah, it's just a shower.

[@epluribusunum7736]

Ever seen the power of words and water?

[@3112isabel]

It’s rich people speak.

[@justinerouthier7842]

The compression and expansion he mentions creates a feeling of a house that breathes in and out. It grew on me as the video progressed.

[@Parc--Ferme]

I've been driving past this house for quite some time wondering about the story behind it, cool to finally watch it

[@Cy1071]

Where is it, langley?

[@dirtbike4life420]

@@Cy1071hazelmere area south surrey

[@oscarsalesgirl296]

I've been driving past your house for some time

[@antwainclarke3406]

I love the the interior of this house. The concrete pillars remind me of a cathedral but stripped down to become post modern. This space feels so contemporary, brutalist yet warm, open yet cozy, heavy yet full of light. One of my favourite projects anywhere.

[@DaMowner]

Very well described! The contrast with brutalist design matches so well with the warm wooden design. Never seen such a combation before

[@chilledtea6614]

It was obviously inspired by Teletubbies.

[@Zack_Raynor]

That or they're going for "Modern Hobbit"

[@edd9032]

😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣

[@nilo70]

I like the way you think

[@lazylion420]

modern hobbit is the better reference

[@MM-sf3rl]

😃

[@D1zZit]

Genuinely one of the most breathtakingly magnificent houses that has been featured on this channel.

[@cpk01]

thats a horrible thing to say

[@Aldna9988]

@@cpk01what ?? It’s a compliment

[@adamstrachn]

​@@cpk01I hate when people are complimentary too! Braaaaahhhhhhh!!! 😂😂😂

[@zellalaing5439]

It's giving a livable version of journey to the center of the earth - personally love the feeling of feeling really small by plant and feature that feel oversized rather than them just being big in general. Definitely by far best modern house ive ever seen.

[@fretlessbass]

I sense the massive tree planters on the roof will be an issue at some point in the future. Between weight, drainage, wind load, upkeep, etc. there's bound to be issues

[@sylvesterodep9507]

therein comes the design challenge

[@actontreadway1168]

he's designed them to look freestanding and precariously staged but each is supported on at least 3 sides by the rest of the structure.

[@irod.2489]

... and attracting thunderbolts

[@lazylion420]

you think they spent all this time and money and didn't address this issue?? you think your casual observation in the comments is the first time anyone thought of it? 😅 I guarantee all of those concerns are addressed and not a problem...

[@Corey_ceo]

I’m sure the many layers of concrete are perfectly placed to support such a design lol

[@chazparker3657]

This looks like a movie set for a Bond Villain or a Dystopian Autocrat.

[@ColtraneAndRain]

It's beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Futuristic yet ancient.

[@lisakilmer2667]

The interior of this building is interesting, with the "lily pads" reminding of fan vaulting. Using fabric forms makes this type of brutalism much more attractive than I usually find. I hope the design ideas stand the test of time.

[@jeejkee6471]

That house is ridiculously big.

[@robsanders5808]

Conspicuous consumption

[@Eli_B3000]

8,000 square feet

[@YotamGuttman]

palaces have been big throughout history. nowadays everything's called 'house' but despite having the same term, the principles are the same

[@originaluddite]

And yet we never get a walk-through.

[@JaredDixon]

8000 sq feet is a generous space, but I wouldn't call it ridiculously big. At least it is integrated into the landscape and is harmonious with its surroundings. One could not say the same for most McMansions (10,000-20,000 sq ft tasteless residences, often found in parts of the US).

[@riaz8783]

So much potential and yet so many impractical elements that aren't even that attractive

[@covakoma1064]

And somebody payed for it 😅

[@IgnisMDB]

@@covakoma1064 but you guys are thinking of it in a utilitarian point of view. This people paid for the experiencie of having someone who they consider a great artist to build them something they consider a piece of art to sleep in it. Impractical becomes meaningless at this point.

[@CyrusChennault]

some bum brokie whining about something he’ll never own 😂

[@lazylion420]

I found the jealous poor people

[@covakoma1064]

@@lazylion420 i found stu pid people

[@hintex487]

Absolutely stunning! The way the concrete flows and mimics natural forms is incredible.

[@eleaptb]

i’m blown away, love these textures, concrete looks like soft drapes

[@CCitis]

Wild, i go past this property all the time and have wanted to see it. Thanks.

[@frasertones8519]

Where is this, Langley?

[@CCitis]

@@frasertones8519 south Surrey

[@gregpendrey6711]

Do you like it? and why? 😊

[@gregpendrey6711]

FLW created the Lilly pads and got the idea approved for The Johnson Wax headquarters. Must see.

[@patrigdon4205]

@@CCitis ahhhh makes sense now. NOT Vancouver

[@ekim131]

Been driving by this place for years trying to figure out what it was. Wild that this just popped up on my suggested.

[@jasonmitchell432]

I love the nods to Frank Lloyd Wright with the use of materials, the contraction and expansion of spaces, the furniture, the play of light…

[@RachelL-n3z]

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.

[@bigblueocean]

You know when you have too little to worry about? This is what you get. Bless him.

[@garyoak2974]

I been planting trees ontop of my houses in mincraft to.

[@zellalaing5439]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@megb9700]

I love the materials, lighting, concrete pillars. I would have liked to have seen more repetition throughout the whole building outside. It’s still art and beautiful.

[@chaoticutopia]

Interesting. I'd be curious to see this in 10 or 20 years. The shape of the planters is going to compress the root systems of the trees. I wonder how the lilypads will respond to the expansion that may cause. I've seen plant roots split stone in half.

[@kurtbrisch5776]

WOW!!! One of the most beautiful/amazing homes I have ever seen.

[@TheLifeGiver]

7:55 So we decided to make a small one (just 16 feet tall) that's massive m8

[@JuliesWorldXoXo]

I think it’s absolutely beautiful! 👏🏻

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

It’s too early to play the buzzword bingo drinking game. I still like the house.

[@LewisRhymes]

Amazing build! On a side note: Make sure you top them tress before they become rootbound and start breaking apart those massive concrete structures..

[@blagmate5516]

I quite like this. Different, quirky but seems to be a workable proposition. Well done, Sir!

[@CafeDesignTrend]

An amazing experience. Thank you for sending these impressive films.

[@aqynbc]

a piece of art. Stunning.

[@herintuion88]

Absolutely stunning 😍 Congratulations to the team and thank you for sharing 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@alvarogarzon3032]

Wow!!!... So beautiful and amazing!... It made me happy to look at this house!

[@vnkman4391]

this house is wild. I LOVE IT.

[@BillTheBubble]

ill never understand how people feel completely comfortable in a house with full open windows.

[@CydeWeys]

This house is on a huge lot. No one else is close enough to see in anyway.

[@davidwelty9763]

You only need blinds on all windows if your neighbors are close. We live in the country and only have blinds in the windows of the bedrooms and bathrooms, where we are likely to be undressed.

[@hirr1]

Did you grow up in a small apartment ?

[@laliendre87]

same here!!!

[@nickb638]

What are you concerned about? People seeing you nude?

[@gardgarland5293]

I really like the individual parts of the house, however, when I get a wide lens view of the exterior I come away feeling that the whole is so much less than those amazing parts. Ultimately, it reminds me of a small town stretched out along a country highway in which some parts speak to each other while others do not.

[@architect1580]

spectacular design! wonderful integration with the landscape, materials and shapes!!!

[@GaryHenley-n7c]

A dead duck doesn't fly backward.

[@MojroeOrlando]

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.

[@keirfarnum6811]

Beautifully designed and made. Very unique. 👍🏻

[@user-sc9eg8ee2d]

Watching this house heals............

[@RinaKaur-u3u]

What a stunning creation.

[@snakeplisskin8696]

Concrete has been used in mid-century modern architecture for decades. The pioneers are truly, Frank Lloyd Wright and his legendary student John Lautner. You are a talented and worthy follow up, sir.

[@nancyainomugisha3197]

This is insane 😮🤩

[@annie7395]

> wants to let the material dictate the form > makes a giant load-bearing funnel in the form of a famously hydrophobic natural structure the lilypad, out of concrete

[@gregpendrey6711]

Huh? 😂

[@shayhigh8790]

So nice!❤ but i dont wanna clean all the little corners 😅

[@E1991M]

Looks like Chipotle

[@jasons.8125]

The pillars give me, Lloyd-Wright / Luigi Nerve / Gaudi 😍

[@paradiseprod6153]

love the lights but would be a nightmare to dust

[@robinlarabi]

That's a job for the house's staff.

[@paradiseprod6153]

@@robinlarabi sure yea and they’d probably think the same thing

[@robinlarabi]

@@paradiseprod6153 well that's their job so they should do it with joy, shouldn't they?

[@LadyMontane]

@@robinlarabi Joy is irrelevant, all they need is fair compensation.

[@thelalanz73]

This is stunning. Reminds me of some of the design ethos of Gaudi.

[@lfeb]

I wish that he would talk about how it could/should be a green structure...the sun should be thought of as a heater and shade as a cooler, the under ground should be about saving energy on ac, the trees...well duh, I guess I wish they were fruit trees or nuts or something, there should be water collection... this design is begging to be made into a smart green design but no talk of it 😔

[@MeditateOnGodsWordWithMe]

I would prefer this house being completely open concept compared to having huge concrete structures over my head.

[@Eli_B3000]

Same here, the lower of the two columns could have been another 1/3 higher, if not matching the higher one. It would feel claustrophobic to eat under. It would make more sense as a living room edge wall, not over your main indoor entertaining area.

[@MeditateOnGodsWordWithMe]

@@Eli_B3000 so true...are you an architect or just a design enthusiast? For me, I am a design enthusiast and hobbyist who learnt how to use the SketchUp architecture software to design structures.

[@lazylion420]

you can prefer whatever you want... when you have the money to afford it

[@lyndseyandandrew5771]

Would love a detailed budget... Has to be tens of millions.

[@tylerl.4699]

At least this guy got to learn all about concrete forming and finishing on someone else's dime.

[@bernardkealey6449]

As much as I hate it, he had been seriously working on these techniques for about 15 years before the first pour here. But yeah, it would take a massive leap of faith to do this. I wonder if getting a house with 2019 “World Architecture Festival Award“ (pre pour) was worth it. I much prefer his 2009 “23.2 house” - given how much I hate this that could be taken as “faint praise”

[@johnkennedy8321]

I really like the idea of inability to replicate, completely individualized architecture.. A fingerprint

[@helgaprazmari2896]

It is amazing! 🥰

[@The_Green_Queen]

This brought to mind Earthships, if they were brought to you in the form of an Apple announcement.

[@grintalcycles8266]

Seeing those concrete columns reminded me of Frank Lloyd Wright's Lily Pads.

[@willcookmakeup]

This is stunning

[@AndreaJacob-h8y]

The family’s excitement over going to Disneyland was crazier than she anticipated.

[@mabatho.mohaleamalla]

This is STUNNING 😍

[@nickc9070]

Not sure about this as a house. Would be an amazing restaurant though

[@LexXiRL]

Beautiful design 🙌🏾

[@casperunnerup]

Love the design. Weird magical feeling about it. Would have loved to see some rounded windows and doors in the concrete to match the soft contours of the concrete

[@AndresMartinez-sx2tg]

Very super graphic

[@BI-sd3sw]

Maybe running a wrecking ball through it would give it the last “ruin” touch?

[@ettajfan5882]

Amen!

[@AnandSingh-mt1xq]

hope HOA pays you well

[@selfishcontentdraft]

Exerimental & daring. Very bold. I like that

[@grichard4398]

Absolutely amazing! 👍

[@epicroadtripwithpiotrgorski]

What a design!

[@c7daoota]

i need to be a structural engineer on projects like this

[@livekenora]

incredible

[@luckyleaprealestate]

amazing design ❤🎉

[@dariussutherland6307]

Vancouver countryside is wild!!

[@patrigdon4205]

since that isnt a real thing lol

[@davidcattin7006]

It's a "no" for me. He didn't give us a sense of all those different modules and how they relate. Also-- roof trees? Lightning? High winds? Earthquake? I'm sure they thought it through, but would rather not be there after a few more years of growth. I guess you could always take them down.

[@thelalanz73]

Thats a strong reaction to trees 😂

[@आवारा-ज8ण]

How abt i take u down whiner?

[@JenniferAustin-yw6sq]

Stunning

[@maxzett]

very nice. wondering how expensive smth like this is. defenitly cooler than those generic mansions

[@kevinpatriquin822]

It's funny how you talk so serious about the concrete lol they poured concrete in a form , pretty simple construction just expensive.

[@anacarolinadeluca3124]

Soooo beautiful!!

[@greefire_]

the concrete stuff reminds me of "Stuttgart 21"

[@gawayne1374]

Beautiful, but I suspect the trees are going to tear the lil pads apart with their roots

[@heatherdeavalon]

Interesting design. How will it hold up to the Cascadia subduction earthquake?

[@fyhaskamdig]

Pretty cool usage of concrete. I like it.

[@RandomlySet]

Take a shot for every time he says "on the one hand...."

[@3112isabel]

I love this.

[@tonijackson3421]

The comments either love it or hate it 😅

[@RamblinAround]

I appreciate the overall design and how it fits into the landscape, but the concrete lily pads seem unnecessary. I understand that they are a reimagining of Frank Lloyd Wright's lily pads, but they would make me feel uncomfortable in the space, with all that weight looming overhead.

[@EH23831]

Magical ✨

[@user-ds5jn5ms8s]

There is a place for everyone and possibly every idea, but this is so much drama “75.9”, really? The since of desperation to be different was evident throughout?

[@weekendatbernies2089]

Just perfect

[@peterlarsen7779]

Very interesting building! 👍

[@somnathb8694]

beautifull concept !!

[@robinlarabi]

This dwelling is pure genius

[@L4b3n]

There are people, who can afford such a house and there is me, filling up the shower gel tube with water to squeeze out the last bit of shower gel ... 💩

[@tukek88]

Life hack: don't use shower gel.

[@juju4027]

@@tukek88I know someone who does not use shower gel and insists he does not smell bad. He does smell bad. 😅

[@tukek88]

@@juju4027 I lived in my van for a time down in the Florida keys. I never used any soap, I would swim in the ocean every morning and then put coconut oil on. I didnt wear deoderant either.

[@AP12360]

Use bar soap instead. It lasts longer and is cheaper.

[@tukek88]

@@AP12360 not really

[@michaelsnelling2918]

looks like an apeing Frank Lloyd Wright without understanding the principles of compression and expansion

[@actontreadway1168]

I love the way this feels. Dr. Seuss goes to Manhattan and builds a house in central park.

[@berkeleyfuller-lewis3442]

I'd call this genre, "Early Bunker." Although the private side is WAY nicer than the forbidding public side. AND, why do architects and developers INSIST on putting the kitchen sink on the DIVIDER counter between the kitchen and the dining area? Do all their clients have "STAFF" -- who put away ALL the clutter after every meal? (Dish rack, towels, soaps, sponges, etc.)? Do any of these "designers" actually ever COOK or CLEAN UP? That's an automatic rejection for us . . . because it suggests other totally impractical "designer-think" mistakes fill such a property. Overall an oppressive and totally NON comfortable collection of "concepts." Ugh.

[@dbrunskill]

thats amazing

[@16gb162]

How would the concrete pillars hold up in an earthquake?

[@thelalanz73]

pretty sure thats all factored into the engineering

[@pjforde1978]

@@thelalanz73 are you confident enough to sleep under it when Cascadia goes off?

[@thelalanz73]

@@pjforde1978 yep. It's probably safer than the majority of older houses and buildings and apartment blocks with less modern engineering.

[@isgonrain]

​@@pjforde1978 we design for earthquakes.

[@dinahlavati7249]

I really wonder how many people live here. I feel like you can easily have family of 15 and they won't see each other for days. I simply don't understand a need for this massive house. You end up living in 1/10 of the house and rest is for showing up.

[@lazylion420]

tell us you're poor without telling us lol

[@Javier-ss7jg]

@@lazylion420 you seem like a truly insufferable human being. What even is the point of being this rude about a completely valid opinion? Criticizing unnecessarily large structures that completely exceed a client's needs has been a conversation that architects have been having for decades. The fact that the only thing you've been able to comment on is how poor everyone else is tells me that you 10000% should not have an opinion on anything related to architecture and construction.