# Transparent Brick Homes The Optical Glass House Filters Sounds Out and Sights In By Meghan Young | Published 2013-01-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-glass-house References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2013/01/10/optical-glass-house-by-hiroshi-nakamura-nap/) & [nakam.info](http://www.nakam.info/) The Optical Glass House is a surprising example of architecture that employs unorthodox materials to create a visually striking effect. In this case, it uses 6,000 pure-glass blocks to mimic the traditional look of red brick. Nevertheless, there is nothing classic about the Optical Glass House. Taking on a contemporary square shape, it translucent glass has a mesh-like aesthetic that reveals and conceals in equal amounts. Although it is apparent that there is a tree blossoming in the courtyard within, it is hard to determine much else. Designed by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP, the Optical Glass House was built in Hiroshima, Japan. Isolated from the world in such a way that it is still perceivable, habitants of this extraordinary home are able to enjoy a tranquil existence. The glass effectively blocks out sound but not sights. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Transparent Architecture:** Using unconventional materials and methods to create visually striking and functional buildings with a focus on transparency and natural light. - **Optical Illusion Design:** Exploring the boundaries between reality and illusion through innovative design techniques, such as the use of translucent materials. - **Nature-inspired Homes:** Incorporating natural elements and surroundings into home design, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture and Design:** Developing new approaches to building design that prioritize transparency, natural light, and unconventional materials. - **Real Estate:** Incorporating unique and innovative features into homes and buildings to attract buyers in a competitive market. - **Sustainable Living:** Using eco-friendly materials in home design that emphasize a connection with nature and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Clear Glazing Compact Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/check-patterned-house.md) - [Lush Surroundings Glass Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-house-1.md) - [Glass-Reflective Illuminated Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-house.md) - [Angled Concrete Forest Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/block-wall-house.md) - [Industrial-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glassbrick-apartment.md) - [All-Glass Mesmerizing Compact Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beaufort-bushland-retreat.md) - [Glass Philosophical Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-ridge.md) - [Curved Translucent Experimental Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptors-apartment.md) - [Concrete Block-Formed Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blockwall-house.md)