This wood-clad home in rural Japan has an ingenious lounging space. Rather than using the home's chimney in a traditional manner, architects decided to enlarge it and create an in-house observation deck. The cozy open concept house is large enough for this family with two young children, but the homeowners decided to make use of unused space and take advantage of their high ceilings.
Despite its contemporary look, the chimney-sized extension was inspired by a 'Kaze no Ma,' a traditional African ventilation tower built on houses. Originally, the Kaze no Ma was meant to allow for hot air to escape once it had risen, and allow cool air through interior windows. Using this traditional philosophy and expanding it, this family was able to achieve an unconventional lounging space with a view of the home.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Enlarged Chimney Spaces
- Expanding traditional chimney designs to create unique lounging spaces in homes.
- Utilizing Unused Space
- Transforming unused areas in homes into functional and innovative lounging spaces.
- Blending Traditional and Contemporary Design
- Incorporating traditional architectural elements into modern homes for a unique and visually appealing aesthetic.
Where This Applies
- Architecture and Interior Design
- Opportunity to develop innovative designs that repurpose architectural features for alternative uses in homes.
- Construction
- Opportunity to integrate unconventional spaces into home construction, enhancing the functionality and appeal of the property.
- Home Furnishing and Decor
- Opportunity to create specialized furniture and decor items that complement and optimize the lounging spaces created from enlarged chimneys.
