# Cedar Plank-Surrounded Abodes Arbol Design Provides Ample Privacy for a Residence in Japan By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-06-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arbol-design References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/arbol-design-nishimikuni-privacy-sunlight-house-06-17-2014/) & [arbol-design](http://arbol-design.com/en) Arbol Design has put together a house for an older couple in Japan, with the main goal of ensuring privacy for the owners. The house was built around a slew of condos in the area, so without certain barriers people could easily look in on the place. To achieve this privacy without putting up cement walls, Arbol Design used [cedar planks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-house-on-a-hill) around the place, giving it a cottage-like cozy feel. Although it sounds like the inside space would feel claustrophobic, the designers included a [garden in the courtyard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studioac-2), which still allows for light to shine through and an area for the couple to relax in peace and quiet. The architecture firm did a great job with achieving privacy while still allowing for a sense of connection with nature for this house. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/architecture/arbol-design-nishimikuni-privacy-sunlight-house-06-17-2014/), [arbol-design](http://arbol-design.com/en) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Privacy-enhancing Architecture:** Opportunities lie in developing innovative architectural designs that prioritize privacy while still maintaining a sense of connection with nature. - **Cottage-inspired Living Spaces:** There is potential for disruptive innovation in creating cozy living spaces using natural materials like cedar planks. - **Integrated Indoor-outdoor Designs:** Designing homes with integrated indoor-outdoor spaces and gardens allows for privacy without compromising on natural light and a peaceful environment. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can explore new ways to prioritize privacy in residential designs using materials like cedar planks. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can incorporate cottage-inspired elements and materials into their designs to create cozy living spaces. - **Landscape Design:** Landscape designers can focus on creating integrated indoor-outdoor spaces that provide privacy and a sense of connection with nature in residential projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Angled Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-wall-house.md) - [Tranquil Courtyard Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cupertino-courtyard-house.md) - [Contemporary Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-saidera.md) - [Apple Tree-Surrounding Glass Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acdf.md) - [Privacy-Focused Australian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clifton-house.md) - [Privacy Enhanced Minimal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-open-house-1.md) - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md) - [Living Landscape Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hedge-and-arbour-house.md) - [Countryside Woodland Cabin Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aralar-cottage.md)