This 'tunnel house' was created by Makiko Tsukada architects in Tokyo, Japan as a means of visually extending the street. The interior and exterior of the home are made to look like one thanks to the incorporation of a large carved-out section that sits perpendicular to the road. This convex tunnel-like form connects the spaces inside and outside the home.
On the open side of the cylindrical tunnel, there is a facade enclosed by glass. The inner space of the tunnel contains a bedroom and bathroom. Despite being contained within a concrete and steel structure, the bedroom retains an open feel with its open ceiling and screen partitions. The top of the concrete shell is visible from the bedroom.
While moving from the interior section of the tunnel to the exterior, there is a noticeable difference. Daylight flows down along the surface of the tunnel and a reflective ceiling surface can be seen. This surface fills what would otherwise be a gap in the floor, mirrors the space below and also doubles as a table.
Photo Credits: designboom, makikotsukada-architects.jp
Tunnel-Shaped Homes
The 'Tunnel House' in Tokyo Visually Marries the Home's Interior and Exterior
Trend Themes
1. Tunnel-shaped Architecture - Opportunity for architects and designers to create innovative homes that visually extend the surrounding environment.
2. Seamless Interior-exterior Integration - Opportunity for home decor and furniture companies to develop products that enhance the integration of interior and exterior spaces in homes.
3. Reflective Surfaces and Smart Materials - Opportunity for material science and construction companies to develop reflective surfaces and smart materials that enhance the functionality and aesthetics of architectural designs.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunities for architects to explore new ways of visually extending homes and creating immersive living spaces.
2. Home Decor - Opportunity for home decor companies to provide products that enhance the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces in tunnel-shaped homes.
3. Material Science - Disruptive innovation opportunities for material science and construction companies to develop advanced materials that enable the creation of reflective surfaces and smart architectural designs.