House in Tamagusuku by Studio Cochi Architects in Nanyo, Japan

Project: House in Tamagusuku
Architects: Studio Cochi Architects
Location: Nanyo, Japan
Area: 1550 sq ft
Photography: Ooki Jingu

House in Tamagusuku by Studio Cochi Architects

Studio Cochi Architects designed the House in Tamagusuku — a project that demonstrates the perfect blend of modern styles and traditional Asian home design. It is located on Okinawa Island, where the tropical climate required a special approach to design.

Okinawa Island, where the house is located, is in the southernmost region of Japan. It connects Southeast Asia and Japan. Here, a tropical climate, rich history, and culture have been strongly influenced by South Asia and other countries. The unique history and culture of the island became the foundation for the project, where we preserved the original traditions of Okinawa.

The plot is located on a slope extending from the northern part of the hill, surrounded by picturesque nature. The southern side is slightly higher than the surrounding landscape and offers a view of fields and the Pacific Ocean. The building differs from the original slope contour. We also considered the beauty of the natural environment to ensure privacy through elevation differences.

We created two large wings with different heights that are connected and cover the plot. Glass doors were installed in suitable places both inside and outside. The glass doors can open and close depending on the season, allowing enjoyment of all seasons through them. Beautiful ocean and nature become pictures on this glass. This creates various spaces and "sequences".

Our main goal was to create an open, breezy and deeply shaded area. It combines the styles of old Asian buildings in a tropical climate. This is one feature of modern Asian architecture — striving for equality with nature. It marks the beginning of rejecting the category between nature and architecture.

We used stone, wood, glass, soil, polished concrete and other materials. Almost all materials were processed by hand. These handmade works give them strength, leaving a human trace and making architecture closer to nature.

–Studio Cochi Architects