Article Traditional Japanese House Design in Modern Style by Foster + Partners

The Kawana house is a fusion of the Japanese love of harmony and respect for nature and the Western architecture of steel and glass. It is exploration of traditional Japanese architecture in a modern context. Sited on a dramatic stretch of volcanic coastline where long, inaccessible fingers of lava jut into Sagami Bay, the change in levels across the site and the views out to sea are main things to consider in house design. Full-height glazed sliding doors line the perimeter, allowing the living spaces to open out on t terraces, to capture amazing landscape views around. It’s not usual for traditional Japanese architecture to have a lot of light inside the house but that becomes more and more popular in modern. Besides glazed doors and big windows, Kawana house has the roof as a fifth facade of glass.

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