With 31% of total global land area covered in woods, it’s no surprise that the world hosts a large collection of modern homes built in forests. Of course, this isn’t just because of geography; as Henry David Thoreau famously said, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life.”

Designing modern homes in forests offers architects an exciting opportunity to imagine innovative spaces in sometimes difficult terrains. These homes also have both incredible views and intimate experiences in unaffected parcels of the world. These homes demonstrate the human desire to be with, honor, and explore nature while often minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. Below, AD surveys 11 incredible properties that showcase the beauty and diversity of modern homes built in forests.