A Gorgeous Minimal Home in The Woods

Megan Harris Megan Harris
大田の家, 宇佐美建築設計室 宇佐美建築設計室 Salas de estilo clásico
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The beautiful Ota house was designed by Usami Architects. With a site area of 370 square meters and a building area of 112 squares meters, the modest home responds delightfully to the woodland surroundings. The design is an example of Japanese minimalism. Minimalism came to prevalence in the western art world post world war two, however, In Japanese culture these notions date back much further, to the Higashiyama culture of the fifteenth century. The aesthetic principal of wabi-sabi is centered on an acceptance of transience and imperfection. Deriving from Buddhist teaching, it is thought to nurture authenticity through the acknowledgement of three things; nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.

The black box

Nestled in the irregular natural landscape, the strict linearity of the home stands in contrast. It is a welcome contrast, the home feels different, yet completely at home. It responds to it's context in scale and material selection to create a delightful space for living. The black stain of the exterior timber, remains exactly that, on the exterior – Inside, the natural finish of the timbers create a warm and inviting retreat. 

Between in and out

The interior spaces of the home are delicate and minimal. There is finesse in the attention to detail and thoughtfulness of the design. Plain white walls are contained by a natural timber floor and ceiling.  The enclosure itself acts to separate the private space of dwelling from the public space outside, sheltering it from natural elements. The use of large sliding, screens, allows this interior space to be completely opened up to the outdoors. This creates a seamless transition between inside and out. 

Retreating within

But when the residents are ready to retreat back into the warm, cosy, and safe confines of the home these can be pulled closed to once again divide our inside world from the outside world. Our homes become adaptable to the changing time, seasons and weather. The screens that are used are typical of traditional Japanese 'fusama' screens. The entire design employs the traditional and vernacular in a very contemporary and relevant way. For more living space ideas, take a look here!

Sliding partitions

Movable partitions and  sliding doors create a seamless and open interior, connecting the various spaces of the home. Transparent or translucent materials can create physical or sound divisions, whilst providing visual connection and allowing light to permeate.The frosted panels used, here, for the first set of sliding doors alter the atmosphere and light conditions of the space; when closed they create an obscured visual link that affords a degree of privacy. The choice of materials can create a continuum of effects, acting to both divide and connect.

A space in-between

Beyond the translucent sliding doors, the transition between outside and in is thickened; an interstitial space is created that feels neither entirely inside nor entirely outside. It provides an opportunity to experience these two conditions of outside and inside simultaneously. The inner boundary is mediated with frosted panels that obscure views and establish privacy, while the outer boundary is in delimited only by clear glass. 

The reading look-out

In the little look-out 'tower' atop the house there is a wonderful library/study space. The small slot windows offer incredible views when seated at the desk. What a delightful space to retreat to and finish some work or read a book! For more study space inspiration, take a look here!

If you enjoyed this beautiful Japanese design, you may also like to take a tour through this Contemporary Expression of Traditional Japanese Design.

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