I recently stumbled across this really cool project by Portland-based Waechter Architecture that makes great use of a steep, challenging site to produce a home that is both functional and sculptural.  I found it interesting the way they studied the relationships between the communal and private spaces as carved voids within a solid mass with cast models. This effect is realized through the use of texture and materials, as a monolithic corrugated metal 'sleeve' that wraps the exterior is punctured to reveal bright, warm spaces within.  Read more about the project here.