Light Welling House: A Unique Residence for Single Family Living

Bringing Natural Light to Every Corner

The concept behind the Light Welling House was to create a residence that not only provided a comfortable living space but also reflected the essence of the house within the urban context. The exterior walls, coated with lean mix acrylic paint, exhibit a unique black mottled effect, highlighting the characteristics of the chosen finishing material.

One of the key features of this design is the use of continuous windows and glass walls in the stairwell. The stairs, made of perforated metal, allow light to seep through, while the glass walls enable the light to shine into each room and reflect from the top to lower levels. The positioning of the stairs was carefully calculated, taking into account the altitude of the winter sun.

Inside the house, the first floor consists of an independent bedroom and bathroom, while the second floor features a main room with a partially open ceiling that leads to the third floor. The transparent glass partitions and Japanese paper blinds maintain an open and cohesive atmosphere throughout the space.

The Light Welling House is not only aesthetically pleasing but also showcases the designer's attention to detail and commitment to pure design. All furniture, storage, kitchen sets, dining tables, and stools were custom-designed to maintain the integrity of the overall space. Additionally, the large zinc coated steel sashes were meticulously crafted to enhance the purity of the design.

Completed in May 2005, the Light Welling House stands as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Teruo Miyahara and his team. It is a residence that successfully overcame the challenges of a narrow site and brought natural light to every corner, creating a unique and inviting living environment.

Image Credits: Mitsumasa Fujitsuka, Miyahara architect office LLC

Intellectual Property Notice: Miyahara architect office LLC

Awards and Accolades: The Light Welling House was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2020. This prestigious award recognizes designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, technical skills, and contributions to improving quality of life.