House M by Ayami Takada Architects

This home enjoys a unique location in an urbanization control area, with the corner plot bordered by roads and open fields meaning there is a lack of neighbouring structures. Instead, the vacant spaces surrounding the home create an expansive character, offering panoramic views of the rural landscape beyond.

Despite the relatively new nature of the home’s existing structure, extensive work was needed due to issues with specifications and layout. If the family wished to continue residing here, renovations would be essential.

Ayami Takada Architects aimed to create character not just in the interior space but also within the outdoor garden and terrace. This is where the transparent box comes in.

“They desired a completely different environment through expansion and renovation rather than rebuilding,” said the design team. “Taking advantage of the topography of the river breakwater bank and the privilege of having a panoramic view of the landscape beyond, we added a transparent box that creates a gentle boundary between the inside and outside with new meaning in the transition space.”

Inside the box, polycarbonate walls form three different spaces, each with a distinct level illumination and temperature regulation. “A sunroom enclosed in polycarbonate is planned outside the laundry room, with a flip-up folding door and horizontal folding door that can be used as eaves, and an earthen floor for sitting, creating a continuous space with the garden,” said the design team.

The strategy of using polycarbonate glazing to create new outdoor living spaces allows the family to extend the use of the surrounding garden throughout the seasons.

“The roof of the approach to the entrance is made of polycarbonate with different degrees of transparency, allowing soft light to filter through the trees,” noted the design team. “The eaves of the carport, which are designed as an integral part of the building and do not detract from the exterior, form a bright and cozy place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.”

“The translucent walls of the south-facing, large-opening, view-enhancing detached house are bright during the day even without lighting,” it continued.

By utilising a photovoltaic battery system with simple LED lights hanging from a laundry line in one of the spaces at night, the translucent walls become illuminated. The intended result was to have the facade glow like a lantern, casting light on its rural surroundings.

A three-dimensional extension allows for a larger open living room that gives all family members the ability to find their own space and “appropriate distance”, while still remaining together.

“The view-enhancing detached house are bright during the day even without lighting, and at night the exterior walls emit light like lanterns, illuminating the surroundings and transforming the rural landscape,” added the design team.

“In the living room, which extends three-dimensionally, family members can spend their time as they wish in an integrated space that creates a sense of appropriate distance, and a diversity of different shapes, colors, and textures.”

A solid panel made of wood serves as an architectural feature and contrast to the layered translucent facade, creating a backdrop for the porch.

“Each translucent space was designed according to its use, just as plastic greenhouses on farmland are designed to have different performances depending on the variety and time of year in which they are grown,” said the design team.