House in Osaka

The site lies in a hilly area north of Osaka overlooking a deep river valley. The form of the house is a direct response to the topography. On the first floor, the west face is exposed, yet shielded by a transitional layer of external spaces. The living, dining and cooking areas are situated at this level and are designed as transparent glass boxes. The views to the valley determine the position of the built-in seating and half-height cupboards and thus the orientation of the rooms. The partly transparent flat roof, separated from the walls by a horizontal glazed strip, continues the idea of a flowing transition between inside and outside. On the more introspective ground floor are the entrance, the bedrooms, bathrooms and ancillary spaces.