Harunatsu-Arch designed the 'Gui House,' a split-level home located in Izumo, Japan, for a couple in their 30s.
The design brief instructed that the home was not to surpass 66 square meters, leaving just enough room for the bare essentials. The architects' main objective, then, was to make these few square meters seem as spacious and comfortable as possible. The living space, for instance, is raised and positioned towards the street. The bedroom is bordered by a cantilevered deck, which offers the inhabitants more space on the lower level adjacent.
The home's exterior is clad in charred Japanese cedar wood, making it appeared blackened -- a quality that contrasts nicely with the concrete material that makes up the foundation and entrance stairs.
Compact Spatial Abodes
The Gui House Makes the Most of Few Square Meters
Trend Themes
1. Compact Living - Designing smaller homes with efficient use of space to maximize comfort and functionality.
2. Spatial Optimization - Finding innovative ways to create the illusion of more space in small living areas.
3. Sustainable Materials - Using materials like charred cedar wood to create a visually striking, environmentally friendly design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Opportunity to create innovative designs for compact living spaces.
2. Interior Design - Potential for developing space-saving and multi-functional furniture solutions.
3. Construction - Demand for eco-friendly building materials and designs.