Villa K2, Okuike, Ashiya
High in the hills above Kobe this two generation home was designed for daylight and privacy. Big south facing windows bring in the sun and small bay windows to the east ensure the neighbor is unnoticed. This is a Western style house but at the end of a curving tatami floored passage there is a discrete Japanese room for practicing the art of tea. Being in a National Park the mature trees had to remain and so the house had to find it’s own space – swimming between and around them. At 600m above sea level the summers are pleasant but double glazing and heavy insulation are necessary for a comfortable winter season.
Living, dining, and bedroom areas are placed to enjoy views into the surrounding greenery.
A quiet facade nestled into the forested slopes of Ashiya's villa district.
A quiet, understated entrance blends into the wooded slope of Ashiya’s villa neighborhood.
Working with the existing trees shaped the plan.
A softly enclosed courtyard brings daylight and calm into the center of the home.
A marble-floored kitchen and dining space filled with gentle, filtered light from surrounding greenery.
A tapering curved hallway designed in the spirit of a garden path, guiding one to the secluded tearoom.
The double-height living space opens toward the dining kitchen and children’s room, offering connection and volume.
A peaceful tearoom awaits at the corridor’s end - quiet, minimal, and modern interpretation.