Architecture often reveals the most outstanding results when it comes to dealing with full privacy. In Hiroshima, Japan an unusual windowless metallic facade defines the boundary between the city and the domestic space. This apparently “blind” inhabitable volume is called House in Saka… and behind this small walled world, a compilation of gardens and terraces are waiting to be discovered. Continue reading →

I would describe this house as a separate flat, taken out of a residential house and set separately as an independent unit. The apartment is located on an extremely limited site and is itself extremely small. However, it allows you to perceive this house as something airy, and the reason for the unusual exterior of the house! Continue reading →

In Kyoto, Japan, a little tower is proudly shinning in its suburban surrounding… I’m talking about the W Window House, a three story building with a tall silhouette that has a total floor area of 72 sq. m. However, the most outstanding detail of this small narrow house is the improbable balance that was created between this shimmering steel building and its lower vernacular neighbors. Continue reading →

This rental apartment house in Tokyo will surely catch your attention. You might even fall in love with it in case you are a motorbike fan. The 8 apartments of the house are designated for those whose lifestyle is all about motorcycles. Continue reading →

In Tokyo, Japan, there’s a modern building, for two families, stacked in a very narrow site – It’s incredible! I’m talking about a house that is nine meters high, but less than two meters wide in the skinniest part of its whole volume. House K testifies the infinite creativity and capabilities of Japanese Architects to transform less to so much more… Continue reading →

A box in box… A usual concept for architects mainly used to solve various challenges. In Tokyo, Japan, a concrete house explores this unique conceptual solution. A three story building with a total floor area of 99 sq. m. plays a curious volumetric game with two different “boxes”. One proclaims a heavy appearance being firmly rooted into the ground while the other aspires a lighter suspended condition. It’s almost like concrete and glass working as Siamese twins! Or simply a reminiscent image of a drawer pulled out from a box… Continue reading →

In Ikoma City, Japan, prefabricated architecture shows once again all its value and quality. The modern Niu House proudly arises between traditional Japanese style homes. This two story building (with a total floor area of 76 sq.m.) is all about innovation and originality…Let’s take a trip together through this exceptional tiny house where Small is definitely turned into the new Big! Continue reading →

Architecture is always related to the deep notion of shelter…Against all kinds of adversities, men created a process to erect an artificial body that could protect themselves from all kinds of menace! I’m beginning this post with a special introduction because the following project deals with a very fresh and innovative attitude against the most ancient of the threats: destructive typhoons!

Villa 921 is a concrete bungalow built on a remote Japanese island which its main purpose is related to the primary need of shelter and protection. A peculiar context always leads to unusual results! Continue reading →

Are you familiar with the traditional Japanese wrapping art called Furoshiki? It’s a type of wrapping cloth that’s frequently used to protect and decorate a gift… House N seems to be a giant present waiting to be opened in Oita, Japan! A total floor area of 85 sq. m. is completely involved in a wrapping perforated concrete box… Continue reading →

Let me tell you about a traditional piece of Japanese architecture that captures the most precious values of craftsmanship: The Machiya house.

Built by merchants and artisans over five hundred years ago, this wooden construction used only raw materials during its building process… This simple construction made repairs possible, allowing it to last through the ages. Timeline Machiya testifies this immaculate condition, surviving a number of several extensions made in the past century! Continue reading →