A bold home on the outside… but the inside is totally different

Will Sayner Will Sayner
奥田の家, 五藤久佳デザインオフィス有限会社 五藤久佳デザインオフィス有限会社 Eclectic style houses
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The home is the one area of personal, private space we have on the planet: your fortress of solitude. As such, it must feel private and somehow sheltered from the outside world. However, here in lies a dilemma, because simultaneously we want a home that feels open, spacious and full of light.

Today we’re taking a tour of a sublime Japanese home that juxtaposes privacy and openness. Brought to us by architects Goto Hisayoshi Design Office, this modern marvel has been designed to maximise space and light, while still providing privacy. Let’s take a look…

A fortress-like façade

The dark dwelling has an imposing façade, with little in the way of windows and a hidden entrance. The formidable, fortress-like structure reveals virtually nothing of the home’s interior. 

However, it's clear that the single storey structure is fairly sizable; even including ample parking space.

Step into the light

Stepping through the door reveals a stark contrast! Light toned wooden flooring and bright white walls create a much brighter space than one might expect from the exterior’s dark design. 

However, the most surprising feature is the floor level window revealing the courtyard at the centre of the home; epitomising the home’s unique mastery of creating open, yet concealed space.

A seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space

Continuing on we come to an open-plan kitchen and living room space, and what a space it is! Wall-to-wall windows provide panoramic views of the garden outside, and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor space. The light is reflected through the bright décor, and the abundance of wood in the room’s composition as well as a few potted plants increases the feeling of connection to the outdoors.

The kitchen—adorned in wood effect panelling - is contained within a single counter to the rear of the room. This concise kitchen contains all the necessary amenities with the cooker, sink and storage all built in.

Old meets new

Despite the home’s unequivocally modern design, it can’t escape Japan’s rich heritage and culture. The media room has a surprising twist in that it’s furnished with traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Breaking down barriers

The beguiling bathroom brings the outside in, and incorporates the scenery outside into the room’s décor thanks to a window that encompasses the entire wall space adjacent to the bathtub. Essentially, the scenery outside acts as a feature wall, and this allows an unprecedented amount of light to permeate through the room creating a nice contrast with the dark tiles that dominate the interior space.

 If you enjoyed touring this charming home then you’ll love this superb modern residence!

What are your thoughts on this astonishing abode? Let us know in the comments below!

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