Tower House by Japanese Architecture Firm

Tower House by Japanese Architecture Firm
Designed by Japanese Ks Architects lead by architect Hiroaki Kimura, Tower House is a long and lean home design characterized by its minimalist white exterior with curious circular windows that give it a whimsical appeal. And if you think this contemporary tower in Nagahama-shi, Shiga, looks cool from the outside, just wait until you set foot inside! The modern holes that distinguish the unusual facade create a really interesting motif inside, which is repeated in the circular ceiling pot lights and round cut-outs at the base of the staircase. A clean, white palette inside puts the main focus on the house unique architectural elements such as the softly rounded walls, the light-flooded staircase leading up to a small terrace, and of course, the windows.

Modern Japanese Tea House - Sheet Metal Architecture in Japan

Stop in for a spot of tea at this sheet metal house, a modern Japanese Tea House located in Osaka, Japan. And if tea isn’t your thing, then you can just sit back and appreciate this modern work of architecture. Designed by forward-thinking Ks Architects lead by architect Hiroaki Kimura, this metal tea house is an industrial-style gem set amidst the serenity of trees and ponds. The juxtaposition of these polar opposites creates an interesting introduction into this unusual home. But somehow, the simple steel sheets that characterize this contemporary house really work. The fold-over roof overhangs floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the front of the house, creating a sheltered area with just enough room to kneel and sip traditional Japanese teas while taking in the calm surroundings.

Small Home Design Ideas - metal clad house with wood interior

We love Japanese small home design ideas and at just 624 sq. ft., this contemporary compact cottage by architect Toyo Ito packs a lot of character into a small space. This very interesting modern design idea uses a stark contrast between cold and warmth; a cool metal facade and its welcoming, woody interior. From the outside, the steel house features metal panels cladding its walls and roof, with wide expanses of sliding glass blur the boundary between indoors and out. Inside, this small home design is replete with wood, honey toned in the warm and abundant sunlight. The two-storey home features an upstairs loft overlooking the main-floor open concept house plan.

Japanese Wooden Houses: courtyard, multi-level decks and a loft

We just love this Japanese wooden house in Wakura, designed by Seiichi Kubo, Yoshinobu Kagiyama and Mine Muratsuji of Japanese architecture firm Archivi Architects & Associates. Like the exterior, this wood-clad home (it’s made mainly of locally grown Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress) is too dominated by natural wood inside. Modern glass-walls floods interiors with lots of natural light, illuminating the open-to-above main living area encompassing the kitchen and dining area, which is overlooked by a second-storey loft. From floor to ceiling (ceilings are clad in lauan plywoods), this wooden house has a distinctly rustic feel to it, with privacy being one of its main design features – your own great escape without ever leaving home. Make your way up the stairs and along the second-storey catwalk leading out to a patio overlooking the home’s central atrium, an open, landscaped spot enclosed by sliding glass walls that blur the boundary between inside and out. Every floor, every room has access to a deck space to make the most of nature. Located overlooking parkland and Wakaura Bay, a local Japanese landmark, this urban home enjoys amazing views.

Japanese Architecture Design – Inspiring Ideas

We love Japanese architecture design, and here is a prime example of why. This creative, future-forward design in Tokyo by Japan architecture firm Emmanuelle Moureaux Architecture + Design is playful, but seriously artistic – not typical of a bank! From the exterior, this vibrant, white cube is dotted with deep window wells of various sizes and colors, each more vibrant than the last. This color palette continues inside, where workspaces are feature an inspiring, leaf motif and natural, knotty wood floors that invite the outdoors in. An interior courtyard brings life to this ultra-modern workspace. We’d love to see this translated into a home design!