Private residences are designed to accommodate the simplest of human activities: eating, sleeping, bathing, and so on. Conceiving structures that meet these basic needs yet adhere to the vision and desires of a particular homeowner can be a strenuous challenge for architects, both novice and established. In his new book 100 Contemporary Houses (Taschen, $60), Philip Jodidio identifies the most innovative, surprising, and just plain dreamy homes built in the past 16 years. “These are the houses,” Jodidio writes, “that have marked the beginning of the 21st century, and they will surely influence what is to come.” The author’s selections aren’t based on sheer scale, prestige, or location. Rather, he’s chosen properties by a range of architects—including Zaha Hadid , Herzog and de Meuron, and Richard Meier , along with lesser-known talents—that execute with great precision some interesting, challenging, and pioneering structures for their clients. Below are some of our top picks from the publication.

Acayaba House in São Paulo, Brazil, by Marcos Acayaba.

House in Leiria, Portugal, by Aires Mateus.

Holman House in Sydney, Australia, by Durbach Block Architects.

Shell in Nagano, Japan, by Kotaro Ide.

House in Kuala Lumpur in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by Jouin Manku.

Linear House, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, by Patkau Architects

Ravine Guest House in Don Mills, Ontario, by Shim-Sutcliffe.

Poli House on the Coliumo Peninsula, Chile, by Pezo von Ellrichshausen Architects.