Celestial Light: A Japanese-inspired Private Residence

Bringing the Essence of Japanese Design to Life

The client's vision was to create a one-story house that maximizes natural light while ensuring privacy. In response, a square open plan layout was designed, measuring 9.1 x 9.1 meters, based on the Japanese module for timber structures. The house features high side windows at each corner, allowing abundant natural light to flood the interior.

The four 2.7-meter high windows, resembling "Four Ears against the sky," serve as light catchers, while the center rooflight acts as a sundial, further enhancing the play of light within the space. This design not only provides ample illumination but also softens the inherent symmetry of the square, in line with Japanese traditional design aesthetics.

The construction of Celestial Light utilizes a combination of materials to achieve its unique properties. The main structure features engineered wood for the main rafters, while the facades incorporate exterior wood fiber insulation with Japanese cedar slats and wood fiber cement board for the two boxes that slip out of the facade, mimicking the size of a traditional tearoom.

Inside, the interior is adorned with gypsum board and spruce veneer, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The floors are made of birch plywood, adding a touch of natural beauty to the space. The bathroom and entrance areas feature tiles, adding a modern and functional element to the design.

With a plot size of 202 square meters, Celestial Light offers a habitable surface of 87.8 square meters. The ceiling height measures 3.04 meters, while the highest point reaches 5.12 meters. The house also provides parking space for two cars and four bicycles, catering to the needs of the modern homeowner.

The open plan layout of Celestial Light not only ensures a feeling of lightness but also allows for an even distribution of cooled or heated air throughout the space. The zoning is designed for flexibility, with a storage unit separating the living zone from the sleeping zone. The movable wardrobes in the sleeping zone allow for the creation of three smaller zones, providing privacy and adaptability.

Celestial Light is located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The design process took place from November 2013 to August 2014, followed by the construction period from August 2014 to March 2015. Throughout the project, extensive research was conducted to ensure passive energy efficiency. Insulation, ventilation, glass and shading, and thermal mass were all carefully considered to reduce energy consumption.

Overcoming the challenge of balancing privacy and natural light, Celestial Light stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its design. The placement of the high-side windows at each corner, protruding above the roofline, creates a distinctive form that allows for ample light while maintaining privacy.

The experiential quality of Celestial Light is evident in the way illumination matters to the spatiality. The celestial light that enters through the high windows bounces off the perimeter walls, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. The central rooflight acts as a pointer in space, making time palpable within the house.

Celestial Light was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 for its outstanding and creatively ingenious design. This prestigious award recognizes designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.