The Owner-Builder Network

The House of Seven Gardens

Last Updated on February 1, 2018 by teamobn

Gunma  Japan – Ikimono Architects

Year built:     2011
Site area:     517 m2  (5,584 sq. ft.)
Building envelope:     162 m2  (1,750 sq. ft.)
Built area:     159.4 m2  (1,722 sq. ft.)

Anyone who has spent time in Japan knows that most urban areas tend to be the very opposite of the coffee table book images we often see.  The cities tend to be flat, crowded and with many irregularly shaped blocks.  To add to the dilemma any architect faces, there is often a mix of industry, retail and residential all within viewing distance of each other.  The result is an architectural style that tends to look in rather than out as we do in the west.

Looking in on seven gardens
Looking in on seven gardens

The design of this home allows a view of a courtyard garden from every room as well as a roof-top ‘garden’ that allows the owners to view the distant mountains.

Typical of most modern Japanese residential architecture, the external walls of the home are also the boundary fence.  Share your thoughts by liking and commenting.

Click on any image to start lightbox display.  Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.  You can also view the images as a slideshow if you prefer  8-)

For a totally different take, you might want to view The Miyska Residence by American architect Robert Harvey Oshatz

|

Search All Projects:

The posts on this site sometimes contain an affiliate link or links to Amazon or other marketplaces. An affiliate link means that this business may earn advertising or referral fees if you make a purchase through those links.

A Statement of Solidarity

Our hearts are broken by the horrific terrorist attack that occurred in Sydney last Sunday evening, where 16 innocent lives were taken during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

We stand in absolute solidarity with the Jewish community in Australia and around the world. This was an act of pure hatred, designed to terrorize and divide.

We unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, antisemitism, and religious intolerance. We condemn the radical extremism that drives such unconscionable violence. We condemn those who would target people for their faith, their heritage, or their identity.

In Australia and everywhere in the world, there is no place for this hatred. There is no justification for this violence. There is no tolerance for this evil.

To our Jewish friends and neighbors: we see you, we stand with you, and we grieve with you.

May the memories of those lost be a blessing.