T3 by Cubo Design Architect
T3 house is nestled quietly atop a hill in the historic Japanese city of Kamakura, a wonderfully scenic location overlooking the Shonan coastline, with distant views of Japan’s iconic peak of Mount Fuji.
About T3
An International Love Affair with Japanese Design
An international couple, rooted in Japan, France, and the U.S., envisioned this house. The duo—a French artist and his Japanese wife—share a profound admiration for Japanese gardens, culture, and architecture. Their passion, ignited by the traditional tea ceremony, grew over time. Now, settling permanently in Japan, they’re turning their dream into reality.
More Than Just a Home: A Cultural Experience
Besides their own comfort, they wanted the house to host overseas guests. They envisioned a guesthouse that’s also an architectural delight.
Fusing Aesthetics and Comfort
Addressing the couple’s desires, we pinpointed several design themes:
1. Integrating the site’s natural beauty and vistas into the design.
2. Blending modern Japanese style with traditional techniques and materials.
3. Offering guests a soothing Japanese aesthetic through architecture.
Balancing Privacy and Panoramic Views
A concrete wall shields the façade from street view, prioritizing privacy. Conversely, the home’s design maximizes exposure to the surrounding landscapes. This layout obscures unwanted sights, focusing solely on nature’s grandeur.
Modern Takes on Timeless Techniques
Continuing eaves, iconic in Japanese sukiya architecture, blend form and function. They guard against rain and sunlight. We modernized this design, retaining its elegance, but innovatively using steel plates.
Materials: Echoing a Rich Japanese Heritage
Our design emphasizes Japanese architectural strengths. We minimized modern finishes and plastics, focusing on traditional Japanese materials like granite, Japanese paper, black plaster, and wooden lattice. These elements not only reflect Japanese features but also convey its aesthetic to international guests.
A Harmonious Integration
We aspire for this blend of modern and traditional Japanese design to resonate with nature and foster deep connections with visitors.
Photography courtesy of Cubo Design Architect
- by Matt Watts
