1. Los Angeles Designed in 1926 by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., the four-bedroom Sowden House is built with “textile” blocks in Mayan style and has sculpted copper gates. Every room in the home faces an expansive courtyard, which features a pool, a Jacuzzi, and two fire pits. There are also city views, a modern gourmet kitchen, a home theater system, a built-in saltwater aquarium, and two fireplaces. $4,888,000. Troy Gregory, Sotheby’s International Realty, (323) 203-5661
2. Cincinnati The zinc paneling on this five-bedroom house prevents moisture and chemicals from penetrating, and lasts 80 to 100 years. The 6,200-square-foot home has heated concrete floors, large windows, skylights, and an open floor plan. Outdoor amenities include a pool, a built-in fire pit, and a natural stream running through the 1.4-acre lot. $2,200,000. Mike Hines, Coldwell Banker West Shell, (513) 321-9944
3. Sea Ranch, Calif. Built to blend in with the local topography, this four-bedroom home includes a sod roof and a courtyard sheltered from winds. Located high on the meadow above Shell Beach, the house has ocean views and natural light. There are also a deck, a double garage, and two fireplaces. $1,200,000. Hanne Liisberg, Liisberg & Kalinoski/The Coastal Real Estate Co., (707) 785-3322
4. Washington, D.C. Architect Travis Price describes this house—made of copper, steel beams, and glass—as “ecological modernism.” Suspended on the edge of a cliff by steel cables, the three-bedroom home has an open living--dining space, a modern kitchen, and a studio. Large windows look out onto scenic views, and trees surround the property. $3,399,900. Ron Mangas Jr. and John T. -Mahshie, TTR/Sotheby’s International Realty, (703) 298-2564
5. Darien, Conn. This landmarked four--bedroom house was built in 1936 out of black chestnut logs. The two-story fireplace is made of fieldstone quarried from the 2.73-acre wooded property that surrounds the home. Additional details include a guesthouse and a pool. $1,999,999. Cathy Thomas, Halstead Property, (203) 656-6584
Steal of the week
6. Copper Hill, Va. This green-built home features solar -power and walls made of cordwood and straw bales. The three--bedroom octagonal house has radiant floor heating and a two-sided stone fireplace. Outside, the 21.8-acre property includes a pond, a creek, and wildlife, with hiking, fishing, and hunting opportunities. $380,000. Lucy Lamanna, United Country/Blue Ridge Land & Auction Co., Inc., (540) 745-2051