Among the many projects architects undertake, residential work is often what they are best known for. Houses are deeply personal buildings, both for their occupants and for their designers.

Public buildings often require architects to accommodate institutional rules and codes. Designing a house offers an opportunity to develop a professional—and sometimes personal—relationship with a client, working together on a building that meets their needs and architectural aspirations.

ArchDaily has selected 50 houses based on readership statistics and the popularity of projects published during the year, presenting them as its “50 Most Popular Houses”.

For more photographs, view the selection here.