Modern Japanese House Nestled Between Two Rivers

Although the site on which it stands is small, the Fuseika House actually enjoys a privileged location. Only the Northern side of the lot is adjacent to another neighboring residence, with the other three sides being open. This immediately inspired the architects to try to emphasize the connection between this modern Japanese house and its immediate surroundings. They managed to do that in a very beautiful and interesting way. The team at T-Square Design Associates surrounded the internal spaces with a series of transition areas which are neither completely indoor or outdoor.

The reinforced concrete structure gives the house a strong and massive look
The reinforced concrete structure gives the house a strong and massive look
The concrete surfaces are complemented by lots of warm wood throughout the exterior
The concrete surfaces are complemented by lots of warm wood throughout the exterior
The interior spaces are framed by terraces which can either be open or closed
The interior spaces are framed by terraces which can either be open or closed
Sliding doors allow the interior spaces to become one with the surroundings, bringing in the fresh breeze
Sliding doors allow the interior spaces to become one with the surroundings, bringing in the fresh breeze
These transition spaces frame all indoor areas, acting as a buffer zone between them and the outdoors
These transition spaces frame all indoor areas, acting as a buffer zone between them and the outdoors
Inside the house looks and feels very warm and inviting while maintaining an eclectic style
Inside the house looks and feels very warm and inviting while maintaining an eclectic style

The house is located Hyogo Prefecture, in Japan and was completed in 2019. It isn’t big with only 113 square meters of living space throughout but it looks and feels very wholesome thanks to the louver sliding doors which control the amount of light and the privacy of the transition area. Also, the site stands between two rivers which allows the house to enjoy natural ventilation and to welcome in the breeze, eliminating the need for air conditioning.

The trees forms a green shield around the house and offer it shade, privacy and protection against the wind
The trees forms a green shield around the house and offer it shade, privacy and protection against the wind
The materials, finishes and colors used throughout the house are simple and give an organic vibe
The materials, finishes and colors used throughout the house are simple and give an organic vibe
The wooden louvers can be closed and the internal spaces can extend onto the terraces
The wooden louvers can be closed and the internal spaces can extend onto the terraces
The cantilevered sections give the house a dynamic and modern appearance
The cantilevered sections give the house a dynamic and modern appearance