Sometimes restrictions lead to outstanding results! The Belly House, by Japanese architect Tomohiro Hata, brilliantly testifies to that. In Kyoto, Japan, there are several laws which restrict external volume, shape, materials and color. So actually when you think of it the exterior appearance of this house was already decided. A pre-defined ‘package’ works as a starting point to a marvelous architectural solution. Continue reading
The House with Eaves and an Attic (yes, there is a house there, behind the huge roof) is situated on a small plot at the top of a hill in Tokyo. The aim was to create a spectacular appearance of a building and to utilize all the space you possibly can out of the dramatically small site on the edge of the slope. Continue reading
Somewhere in Kunamoto, Japan, nestled among lavish green landscapes was born the ultimate statement of wooden architecture. Sou Fujimoto is the creator of a masterpiece: the Wooden Hut.
In this 15, 13 sq.m. cube-shaped mountain shelter, cedar wood timbers establish the only rule that fulfills all the following functions: exterior and interior walls, ceiling and floor, furnishing and stairs, even window frames. In fact, this unique mountain cabin is basically conceived by stacks of 350mm square timbers, joined together. Continue reading
Located in Tokyo, this small house is extremely white, almost ghostly, but also sweet and cute, just like the cartoonist figure of Casper – the friendly ghost. And as an old good Casper animation film does, this building arouses nice, joyful emotions. As the song goes “All you need is love”; in architecture and design, it can be put this way: “All you need is joy and surprise”. That’s why I’m in love with this house. It brings joy and surprise, to me at least. Continue reading
Of all five senses, architecture often can´t capture one in particular: flavor. The Black Teahouse by a1 architects is a fine example of how to honour or even approach such an impossible task. Sitting beside a lake surrounded by woodland near the city of Ceska Lipa, Czech Republic, this ‘temple for tea’ has only 13, 50 sq. m. and is composed by an interior room that extends outside into a large veranda built with larch planks. Continue reading
As I saw the Horinouchi House in Tokyo I was immediately fascinated! It was love at first sight, and I’m not exaggerating. First of all, the shape of the house is really catchy, even if you don’t admire the proportions or color, the image of the house itself is so positive that I’m sure you can’t help smiling (…because I am, all the time, while writing this).
Some people might laugh at me (again, it’s always good to give somebody a reason to smile), nevertheless I’m deeply convinced that this project is a fine example of what modern architecture is all about: to give one’s imagination some food, not to leave one careless, to be interesting, and to be positive in its idea and message. To me, all of this is carried out beautifully in the Horinouchi House. Continue reading
The Zigzag house is not your typical home, however it definitely complies with the creative brief of Japanese architects. This unique piece of architecture is all about depth and layers, as the visitor needs to pave their way throughout the house, moving in and out of rooms and living spaces. Hey, it’s not called Zigzag for nothing… Continue reading
This is one my favorite Japanese house designs. It’s unique and interesting, incorporates nature in its finest form, and plays with your sense of space. Looking at it, the house seems like a large wooden box with different openings, however inside, sunken spaces are carved out of the overall wooden shape, resembling a nest. Continue reading
When building a new home you should carefully consider your surroundings. For example, the architects of the Machi House in Fukuyama, Japan, decided to preserve a large tree to be featured as a beautiful natural focal point. The tree grows out of a small inner courtyard, along the center of the house towards the skylight, while giving the feeling of living high in the treetops. Continue reading
This modern lake cabin design is inspired by Japanese culture. the owners spent several years living in Japan and decided to bring that cultural influence to their holiday home. The result is a clean, contemporary design that pays as much attention to the beautiful wooded lot as it does the lake. Continue reading
Excited about the latest trends in fashion and style? We're looking for English-speaking writers to join our team.
Apply here.
Want to be featured as one of the top emerging designers to watch for?
Apply here.
Or check out the great designers who have already been featured...
