House in Akashi: A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Architecture

Yousaku Tsutsumi's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Traditional Japanese Construction

The design of the House in Akashi is influenced by the traditional Japanese wooden construction method, -zai rai kou hou-. The house is divided into three zones based on purpose and degree of privacy, each with a garden and unique concept. The areas for family, harvest, and celebrating nature are carefully designed and tailored to the client’s interests. The courtyards naturally and softly light the house, blurring the boundaries between outside and inside.

Arbol, the design team, utilized their deep understanding of various types of timber for different purposes. This allowed the design to be constructed entirely from wood with no sacrifice to the performance. The project is therefore extremely sustainable in its construction, offering a design which is in harmony with the nature it celebrates.

The house is designed specifically around the client’s lifestyle and desire for an environment promoting tranquillity and deep comfort. Communal space is as large as possible while private rooms are as small as possible, encouraging a social atmosphere. Enclosing the gardens within the house allows for the intended vision to be realised regardless of the immediate surroundings, thus capturing the endless expanse of the outer world within a city dwelling.

The key challenge was to incorporate all the essential spaces within a small site area, on a single storey while still hosting elements which are essential to the house's artistic vision, such as courtyards and the surrounding walls for privacy. Despite these challenges, the design was successfully executed and has been recognized with the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in 2021.

The House in Akashi is a testament to the power of design to create spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also promote a unique lifestyle. It's a perfect example of how architecture can be used to create a harmonious blend of nature and built environment, providing a tranquil and comfortable living space.