House with Japanese Kura: A Harmonious Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Elegance
This luxurious residence combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern design and is surrounded by tranquil Japanese gardens. At the center of the property is a historic Kura, a traditional treasure house steeped in history and symbolism, serving as a testament to the family's heritage. The owners, whose family has been in the international shipping business for generations, have carefully preserved this ancestral legacy.
The architects and designers at RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd. aimed to capture this mystical atmosphere by creating a design that allows the family to experience their surroundings' tranquillity and spiritual calm fully.
Architecture and Interior Design by RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd.
FF&E by Hiromi Hiroshima
Surrounded by tranquil Japanese gardens, this luxurious residence combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern design. At the center of the property is a historic Kura, a traditional treasure house steeped in history and symbolism, serving as a testament to the family's heritage. The owners, whose family has been in the international shipping business for generations, have carefully preserved this ancestral legacy.
In the garden, there is a grand pine tree shaped like a majestic bonsai. Its ancient branches spread like a guardian spirit over the garden, the mountains, and the family it overlooks. The architects and designers at RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd. aimed to capture this mystical atmosphere by creating a design that allows the family to experience their surroundings' tranquillity and spiritual calm fully.
The client, deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture while embracing modern living envisioned a home that could harmoniously blend these two worlds. The result is an awe-inspiring space where a double-height living area, kitchen, and dining room converge. A disappearing wall of glazed doors connects the interior to the lush garden and the historic Kura, bringing nature into the living space.
The living area features a striking sculpted plaster wall extending the room's total height. Created by a prominent Japanese artisan, the masterpiece captures the essence of the nearby mountains, the ocean breeze, and the historic sailing ships integral to the family's shipping business. The wall's design is a modern abstraction but is executed using traditional Japanese plastering techniques, paying homage to the enduring skills of the country's artisans.
Maintaining a balance between modern luxury and traditional essence, the hotel has a small tatami room designed for intimate tea ceremonies with clients and friends. The room showcases sliding washi paper panels that can be fully opened and discreetly tucked away within the walls to expand the open-plan living area or closed off to create a private sanctuary.
The residence's first-floor private quarters encompass five bedrooms, a spacious family bathroom, and a sizable walk-in closet that serves the entire family, eliminating the need for additional storage in each bedroom.
The 'man-cave' is a unique and highly personalized aspect of the design - a rare feature in Japan. RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd. envisioned this space as a hidden retreat within the house, where the client can entertain friends and business associates in a masculine yet elegant, friendly, and contemporary environment. This large L-shaped room, accessible via a private staircase, enjoys the full height of the sloping ceiling, providing a sense of seclusion and sophistication.
The house's exterior reflects its core design philosophy: the fusion of contemporary Western architecture with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The ground floor, constructed in reinforced concrete, meets Japan's strict building and earthquake standards while embodying a modern architectural aesthetic. In contrast, the first floor is a timber structure made from locally sourced cedar and cross-laminated timber panels, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Japanese woodcraft. The exterior walls, clad in panels made of reconstituted materials, show a commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The house is designed with near-zero emissions in mind, using solar power and storage batteries for energy efficiency. Shoji screens on the south and west sides help diffuse the intense summer sun, reducing heat gain while maintaining a balance of light and shade within the home. The design ethos goes beyond aesthetics; it's a dedication to local production, material sourcing, and the employment of skilled craftspeople from the community.
This residence represents a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity, where the old and family harmoniously converge, representing the family's legacy.
For more information, please visit: https://ron-design.jp/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Residential Division
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