Villair: A Villa That Floats in the Mountains

Michihiro Matsuo's Award-Winning Residential Villa Design

The inspiration for Villair came from the desire to create a private space where the owner could enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape in solitude. Matsuo envisioned the villa as an observation point floating in the mountains, offering panoramic views of the distant city, sea, and sky. The design emphasizes the horizontality of the room with a flat terrace and pool, and deep eaves that effectively remove the surrounding buildings from sight. This design approach gives the villa a floating sensation and a fantastic appearance that blends into the mountain scenery.

One of the unique features of Villair is its use of space. Matsuo designed the villa to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a seamless connection with the outside world. This was achieved by arranging floors and walls in the direction of the gaze, expanding the line of sight and creating unusual circumstances in each place. The result is a living space that feels open and free, yet maintains privacy.

The construction of Villair was carried out by Advance Architects Co., Ltd. The villa, which was completed in Hyogo, Japan in December 2017, has a total area of 809.42 square meters and a size of 453.60 square meters. The three-floor structure is made of timber, adding a natural element to the design.

Despite the open design, Matsuo faced challenges in ensuring privacy, especially given the villa's location in a densely populated area. He also had to consider how to design the openings to frame the view from the villa. However, Matsuo overcame these challenges through careful design and planning, resulting in a villa that offers both privacy and stunning views.

In addition to its architectural design, Villair also stands out for its use of animation to convey the design's concept. Matsuo believes that architectural photography alone cannot fully convey elements such as light, wind sense, and coziness. Therefore, he produced animations with beautiful images that allow viewers to feel the design's concept. This innovative approach to presenting architectural design has garnered many sympathizers and has set a new standard in housing design.

In conclusion, Michihiro Matsuo's Villair is a remarkable example of innovative residential architecture. Its unique design, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offers a serene and private living space that is both beautiful and functional. The villa's award-winning design is a testament to Matsuo's innovative approach to architecture and his commitment to creating spaces that enhance the quality of life.