Yuputira

Part home and part art studio, this spectacular house has a distinctive spherical shape inspired by corals.

Yuputira looks more like a sculpture than a house, but knowing that it is the home and studio of multidisciplinary artist Mariko Mori, everything becomes clear. Created in collaboration with Ring Architects, the house has an unusual shape that both stands out in the coastal landscape of Miyako Island, Japan, and blends into nature alongside other organic forms and rugged rock formations. Bright white and designed with an asymmetric spherical silhouette, this home/art studio references the corals that wash ashore on the beach, a stark reminder of the effects of climate change on the fragile ocean environment. The name Yuputira also connects the architectural design to the island, giving a nod to Miyako’s sun god.

As the artist only wears white, choosing the color for the house came naturally. The white finish of the exteriors and interiors make the volume shine like a bright spark under the caress of the sun while contrasting the surrounding vegetation and the blue-green hues of the ocean. Part home and part art studio, Yuputira blurs the line not only between live and work spaces but also between architecture, art, and nature.

Organic shapes and openings that stand in harmony with nature.

Circular openings frame views and bring in natural light into the living spaces. Larger windows and glass doors open the interiors to spectacular vistas of the ocean and surrounding greenery. On the ground floor, there’s a master bedroom, two guest rooms and a traditional Japanese tea room. A sculptural spiral staircase leads to the upper level that houses the art studio. Here, a large window connects the artist to breathtaking views of rocks rising from the waves. Outside, a terrace curves around the house, reaching from the road and entrance down to the side that overlooks the ocean.

In terms of materials and finishes, Yuputira is the epitome of minimalism. While the exteriors are pearlescent white concrete, the interiors feature concrete floors with a white coating and white walls and ceilings. Additionally, all pieces of furniture have a white finish. The only hints of color come from the pale wooden floors in the bathroom and the tatami mats in the tea room. A place of quiet refuge in a gorgeous coastal setting, this house is also the ultimate space to create, meditate, and embrace the beauty of the landscape. Photography by Yoshihiro Makino.