Internationally known Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has designed the first home in the United States for Japanese housing company Suteki. He has achieved an intercultural design that combines the furnishing trends of American architecture and design with the timeless Japanese basic principles of strength and harmony with the environment. The home is located in Portland, Oregon and features a large yard. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of the associated garden area and ensure a seamless transition between inside and outside.
When developing the project, the architect focused on seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. This concept is in line with the philosophy of the Japanese construction company, which stands for aliving close to naturestands. When boundaries between indoors and outdoors are eliminated, outdoor living can be enjoyed all year round.
The house in Portland is designed with a deep roof overhang that has acovered terracedesigned for the residents and their guests. The resulting terrace with wooden deck is furnished with comfortable lounge furniture and offers a view of the garden. Floor-to-ceiling windows separate this area from the living room and can be pushed to the side when the weather is nice. In this way, the house opens onto the green outdoor area.
Natural materials such as wood, stone and tiles are used in the construction of the house. Where the house does not have glass fronts, the facade is clad in light ash wood. Vertical blinds made of native Alaskan cedar provide ventilation and privacy and create great lighting effects in the room. These are wonderfully combined with ash wood, stone and tiles in the interior. Wood from Japan is even used for the entrance door and two decorative walls inside. All materials used add warmth to the interior and create a cozy atmosphere.
The modern Japanese garden is designed by Sadafumi Uchiyama and is characterized by green lawns, beautiful trees and lots of stone. The wooden deck surrounds the entire house, offering wonderful views of the natural landscape.
When the window fronts are open, there is no threshold between the terrace and the living area. In this way, the brightly furnished living room becomes part of the garden. This enables a life in close connection with nature.
When furnishing the building, the architect relied on natural colors and materials. An open plan living area is located in the center of the house and faces the garden. The light parquet for the floor harmonizes with the wooden facade and the accent walls. White ceiling and walls reflect daylight and create a light-filled interior. When it comes to furniture, wood is again the focus and is complemented by light upholstery and white surfaces.
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow daylight into the interior from every side and create light-flooded rooms. The lighting throughout the house has a modern design and uses minimalist lights. Indirect lighting for the ceiling and floor creates great highlights in the living area, hallway and bedroom.
A project by the Japanese architectKengo Kuma
