Villa SSK by Takeshi Hirobe Architects

When Takeshi Hirobe Architects was given the site near Tokyo Bay in Chiba, Japan, immediately an understanding to unite the natural sky and sea became central to the project. Villa SSK features a very light frame and much glazing to create a transparent existence of the residence. Inside the house, timber structures are left exposed to cordon off spaces instead of letting solid walls do the work. Even the upper mezzanine follows this motif, with spaced bands of wood providing the necessary privacy but preserving the airiness of the ambience. The composite geometries of the house are arranged around an external courtyard containing a small reflection pool that integrates the reflection of sky and sun into the villa’s lighting scheme.

via – photographs © Koichi Torimura