Interview about S House Private Villa, winner of the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award 2024
It is a refined three-story concrete exposed house located in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Due to its proximity to neighboring apartment buildings and a busy road, the emphasis was placed on blocking sightlines and noise. The design incorporates a Japanese perspective, creating a blurred relationship between the interior and exterior, with gently rising exterior walls of varying heights serving as boundaries. As one progresses along the semi-outdoor approach formed by the gaps between overlapping exterior walls, the sounds of the outside world gradually fade away.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe road in front of the site has a lot of traffic, so it was necessary to ensure privacy as well as reduce noise. From the beginning, it was decided that there would be no openings in the wall facing the road.
The space was designed simply with a Japanese design approach, and the materials used were traditional techniques. By placing contemporary art in the space, I think it has become a design with depth, not just a minimalist space.
In ancient Japanese temples, gold and silver leaf was used on the walls and sliding doors to let in comfortable light into the rooms. This technique was also used in this building. The light that pours in through the large opening in the atrium hits the leaf walls, creating various dramatic effects.
The view outside makes the space feel larger even while indoors. The exterior walls of the S residence protect privacy, allowing you to relax with peace of mind.
The more private the space, the smaller the area of the space and the lower the ceiling height. This controls noise from outside. Lowering the ceiling height also lowers the line of sight, creating a calm private space.
In the spaces where people spend a lot of time, we prioritized privacy, and in the other spaces, we prioritized openness. I think we were able to create a good balance by creating contrast within the space.
The owner's occupation had a big influence on the design. Since his job is stressful during the day, we paid special attention to the lighting so that the space would be as relaxing as possible at night.
The height of the walls is adjusted taking into consideration the sun's altitude throughout the year. Also, there are tall buildings in the surrounding area, so the design ensures that the private space is not visible from those buildings.
We use different materials in the open and private spaces. Because it is a place for living, we placed importance on creating a sense of comfort, while creating a space where you can experience the changing of the seasons and the changes of the day.
I think the best situation is to spend time in a space where privacy is maintained and you can enjoy the outside scenery, sunlight, and breeze. Rather than creating a space that is completely cut off from the outside, I want to aim for a rich space where you can feel the transitions of time.
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