# Concrete Boxes-Overlapping Homes FujiwaraMuro Architects Designs the House in Tsurumi-ku By Amy Duong | Published 2024-07-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-tsurumiku References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/07/06/fujiwaramuro-architects-house-in-tsurumi-ku/) & [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/tag/fujiwaramuro-architects/)  Japanese design studio [FujiwaraMuro](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-fujidera) Architects designed the House in Tsurumi-ku which is a family home located on a [sloped street corner](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-minamiazabu) in Osaka. The home is defined by a block concrete structure that has cutout sections that function as tranquil courtyards. It is set on a plinth that has been integrated into the plot and it is made up of a range of aforementioned overlapping concrete blocks with smaller sections finished in [timber battens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukasawa-residence). Architect Kosuke Katashima speaks to Dezeen about the design process, stating "By layering the boxes, we intended to create a variety of light, depth of space, and a sense of connection between the first and second floors. The building is not a symbolic opening, but rather a way to let in a variety of light through the layers from above." Image Credit: Katsuya Taira ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Multi-layered Architecture:** Designs incorporating overlapping structures offer unique light dynamics and spatial depth. - **Integrated Courtyards:** Using cutout sections as courtyards within concrete buildings provides serene outdoor spaces. - **Timber-concrete Hybrids:** Combining concrete with timber battens adds visual warmth and textural contrast to modern homes. ### Where This Applies - **Residential Architecture:** Innovative use of layered concrete structures is redefining how residential spaces utilize light and space. - **Urban Planning:** Incorporating integrated courtyards into urban designs offers refreshing green spaces in densely built environments. - **Sustainable Building Materials:** The fusion of timber and concrete in construction supports both aesthetic diversity and structural efficiency. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intersecting Block-Formed Narrow Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-fujidera.md) - [Minimal Japanese Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate.md) - [Layered Urban Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jonoya.md) - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md) - [Raw Concrete Industrial Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-nishizaki.md) - [Angled Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-wall-house.md) - [Cave-Like Exposed Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nakano-house.md) - [Compact Corner Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modus-architect.md) - [Pyramidal Concrete Japanese Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pyramid-hut.md)