Denizen Works Unveils a Japanese House with an Enigmatic Allure
London-based architecture studio Denizen Works has unveiled its latest creation, a captivating Japanese residence that exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. Named House in Onimichi, this charred-timber-clad home is a testament to the studio's innovative approach to design.
The house is a masterpiece of privacy and seclusion, featuring an almost entirely blank street-facing facade, broken only by a covered entrance. This design choice is a nod to the clients' desire for a tranquil retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The building's coastal location in southwest Japan, overlooking the sea and nearby islands, further enhances its sense of seclusion.
"The core concept was to create a private sanctuary, a place where the owners could escape and enjoy the beauty of the sea and the surrounding islands," explains Murray Kerr, founder of Denizen Works. "We wanted to capture the essence of traditional Japanese homes while providing a modern, functional space."
The house is split into two traditional forms: the Omoya (main house) and the Hanare (annexe). The main house contains a one-bedroom apartment, while the annexe, a single-storey studio, partially encloses a small garden, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy.
The use of vertical, burnt-timber Yakisugi cladding unifies the connected structures, adding to the house's enigmatic quality. The interior design takes advantage of the sea views, with strategically placed windows at different heights to ensure optimal sightlines, whether sitting on the floor or using Western seating.
This project marks Denizen Works' first foray into Japanese residential architecture, developed in collaboration with local architects Take Architects. The studio drew inspiration from traditional Japanese forms and construction methods, including the tatami size modules, while incorporating British spatial proportions.
"We wanted to create a functional studio that interpreted the traditional doma," says Kerr. "We played with the fusion of Eastern and Western habits, ensuring the windows respond to different seating positions."
The house has already become a beloved member of the local community, accepted as a "popular neighbour" and a testament to the studio's unique approach to architecture. It joins Denizen Works' portfolio of intriguing houses, including a contemporary castle-like dwelling in Scotland.
"This simple yet powerful approach, combined with our embrace of local construction techniques, has resulted in a house that feels natural and at home in its environment," adds Kerr. "We strive to push the boundaries of typical house design, creating spaces that reflect our clients' aspirations for privacy and tranquility."
Denizen Works, founded in 2011, is an architecture studio with offices in London and Glasgow, known for its innovative and thought-provoking designs. Other notable projects include the Floating Genesis church, crowned by a pop-up roof, and a house on the Scottish island of Tiree, featuring a gable-shaped glass wall.
The photography for this project is by Yano Toshiyuki, capturing the essence of the house's enigmatic allure.
