Living Art: How KT102’s Shadow Windows Redefine Interior Spaces

The KT102 residence, a transformative creation by In Him's Interior Design, redefines the interplay of architectural forms, natural elements, and interior flow. The innovative 'shadow window' concept, a central feature of the project, orchestrates a remarkable synergy between light and space. These shadow windows, with their intentional fluidity, draw natural light into the home and visually frame the outdoor environment, enriching the home's interior narrative. This architectural feature transcends mere lighting; it establishes a rhythmic cadence throughout the residence. As sunlight filters through, it crafts an ever-changing display on the walls, effectively turning the home into a canvas where nature itself becomes the artist.

From a design perspective, shadow windows are a dynamic architectural feature that not only invites the outside in but also shapes the resident's experience of time and the changing seasons. As sunlight moves across the sky, it sculpts and transforms the interior spaces, creating evolving shadow patterns that vary in density and texture. This makes each room unique depending on the hour and season. This interplay between architecture and nature is an excellent example of how interior spaces can go beyond mere functionality to become vibrant living environments.

The project's layout emphasizes spatial coherence by dividing areas into distinct functional zones while maintaining an interconnected sense of transparency. This approach to interior planning fosters a feeling of openness and continuity without compromising the purpose of each area. Using frames, shadow windows, and architectural volumes creates a continuous sightline, enhancing the spatial flow and ensuring a cohesive atmosphere across different zones. These thoughtfully designed divisions encourage a journey through the home that feels both private and shared, intimate yet grand.

The shadow windows serve as a backdrop for a captivating display of light and shadow, creating a modern interpretation of shadow puppetry. This adds a subtle sense of drama to the space. These design elements harmonize with the surrounding landscape, where the movement of foliage and changing light contributes an ephemeral quality to the interiors. This echoes the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which values transience and imperfection. Overall, this design fosters a sense of calm and balance and transforms the residence into a dynamic visual experience that encourages daily exploration.

The design of KT102 is an exemplary demonstration of how interior architecture can utilize natural phenomena to enhance living spaces. It inspires those who aim to create engaging and tranquil environments. This approach reminds us that thoughtful design can be both functional and poetic, encouraging us to look beyond walls and windows to discover the artistic potential in every ray of light and shadow cast.

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*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Residential

Villa P: Where Modern Minimalism Meets Natural Harmony

Located in the serene and lush forest of Toyota, Aichi, Japan, Villa P is a stunning architectural creation by KIRYU ATELIER＆T Architects Co., Ltd. Lead architect Seiji Takahashi's design philosophy is deeply rooted in the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. His design beautifully combines tradition and modernity, seamlessly integrating nature with structure, heritage with innovation, and light with shadow.

Villa P is characterized by its seamless integration with the surrounding environment. The architect has thoughtfully incorporated natural elements from the site, such as large river rocks, emphasizing a deep respect for nature. Situated near a tranquil river, the villa harmoniously blends with its surroundings, reflecting Japanese architectural traditions prioritizing context and environment. The juxtaposition of modern., sturdy concrete forms with softer, organic materials ensures the building feels contemporary and deeply connected to the land. This interplay between the natural world and the built environment is a fundamental aspect of KIRYU ATELIER's design philosophy, promoting harmony between the physical structure and the external landscape.

The interior of the villa reflects the same design principles as the exterior. The large concrete walls, painted transparent black, create a space that celebrates natural light. Light becomes a defining feature, with shadows from the architecture and surrounding foliage constantly shaping the interior environment. The concrete's texture is warm and minimalistic, capturing an elegant simplicity that allows light and shadow to define each room. This level of precision is typical of Seiji Takahashi's work—where form and light engage in a continuous dialogue, inspiring reflection and creativity.

Villa P is more than just a home; it is a sanctuary for creativity. The adaptable design, featuring multifunctional spaces such as an atelier, gallery, and a theater that can transform into a party room when needed, reflects the modern need for fluidity and openness in living spaces. It offers both solitude and connection, depending on the desired atmosphere, and is a place where one can find peace and inspiration.

The design of Villa P enhances the feeling of peace and resilience. The thick concrete walls provide excellent insulation, keeping the interior comfortable year-round without relying on complex climate control systems. Despite its imposing appearance, the concrete offers a sense of security, acting as a protective barrier that connects the residents with nature while shielding them from the outside world.

Villa P is a study in contrasts, both in its aesthetic and its philosophy. The angular, minimal architecture stands in stark contrast to the natural curves and organic shapes of the surrounding landscape. This deliberate contrast, a central theme in Japanese architecture, is enhanced through thoughtful design decisions by Takahashi. The villa's open yet protected spaces blur the lines between interior and exterior, inviting the outside in and challenging traditional notions of space and form.

Ultimately, Villa P is an architectural achievement and an experiential one. The villa represents the best contemporary Japanese design, standing out with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, its seamless integration of nature with structure, and its emphasis on light and shadow. Seiji Takahashi's architectural language speaks to an elegance born of contrasts and balance, creating a residence that resonates deeply with those who inhabit and experience it.

For more information, please visit; https://t-arch.main.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Architecture : Residential and Urban Design

House with Japanese Kura: A Harmonious Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Elegance

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

Designer Profile

Villa A: A Sculptural Ode to the Pacific

Nestled on the serene shores of Akiya Beach, Villa A emerges as a masterful fusion of architecture and nature, a unique creation by the visionary teamSTAR®. With its breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this oceanfront retreat is more than just a residence; it is a sculptural testament to the dynamic interplay between land, sea, and sky, designed to captivate your imagination.

In the birthplace of Japanese yachting culture, Hayama, Villa A stands as a testament to architectural innovation. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity and power of ocean waves, the design features a striking, sizeable vaulted roof, a sculptural marvel that evokes the rolling waves. This architectural gesture defines the villa's exterior and shapes the experience within, guiding the flow of light and space throughout the home. It's a design that will surely captivate your imagination.

Perched on a southwest-facing hillside, the villa's positioning provides more than just a beautiful view. The westward-facing roof is aligned with the iconic silhouette of Mt. Fuji, ensuring that the majestic mountain and the endless expanse of the Pacific are constant companions to the residents. The villa's design embraces its coastal setting, with each room offering a unique perspective on the ocean's ever-changing moods.

The journey through Villa A begins at the basement-level entrance hall, designed to evoke the mysterious allure of the ocean floor. A white spiral staircase, reminiscent of a seashell's delicate curves, ascends from the depths, leading residents and guests to the villa's main living areas. As one reaches the top, the grandeur of the Pacific Ocean is revealed in a view that is both dramatic and serene, a testament to the careful orchestration of space and sightlines.

The villa's design is cleverly adapted to the natural shape of the site, with the step-like progression of the vaulted roof's arches reflecting the slope of the hillside. This thoughtful approach reduces environmental impact, as the floor levels follow the land's natural slope, reducing the need for extensive excavation. This design choice not only preserves the site's integrity but also enhances the villa's connection to its surroundings, creating a series of interior spaces that are both cozy and spacious.

Each room in Villa A offers a unique view, whether it's the entrance hall, the sunlit living room, the elegant dining area, the comfortable loft, or the modern kitchen. The interiors are filled with shades of emerald green, reminiscent of the vibrant waters of coastal reefs and shallow bays, while the colour scheme of the main level suggests the feeling of sailing on a luxurious yacht. The curved lines of the vaulted roof continue this maritime theme, giving the interior spaces a sense of endless possibility and freedom.

Constructed primarily of reinforced concrete, Villa A's structure is anchored by its innovative roof, composed of continuous arches crafted from 7-meter-long by 900-millimeter-thick cross-laminated timber panels. This wooden structure, with its precise planning and execution, not only showcases teamSTAR®'s technical prowess but also brings warmth and natural texture to the villa's design.

The living room has distinctive large sash windows that blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors. When opened, these windows invite the ocean breeze and the sounds of the surf into the home, creating a seamless flow between the interior and the expansive terrace. This outdoor oasis features an infinity pool that seems to merge with the horizon, a wood-burning sauna, an outdoor kitchen, and a jacuzzi. Each element is thoughtfully placed to enhance the experience of coastal living, offering a luxurious retreat for relaxation and entertainment.

Villa A is not just a home; it is a celebration of the coastal lifestyle. With its architectural grandeur, luxurious amenities, and profound connection to the natural world, Villa A stands as a testament to the art of living by the sea. Every detail is crafted to embrace the beauty of the blue waters at its doorstep, creating a sense of harmony and tranquillity for its residents, and a deep connection to the natural world.

For more information, please visit: https://starchitects.info/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Architecture Division

Greenland Tai-Lake City

Greenland Tai-Lake City is a project created by Suzhou Industrial Park Renhai Interior Design Studio. The mansion is nestled by the calm shores of Taihu Lake, and its design complements the rolling landscape of the Jiangnan hills, which offer a beautiful view of lakes, mountains, and fields. The landscape architecture reflects this natural beauty, with terraces, vegetable gardens, and peaceful ecological waterscapes seamlessly connected to the mansion through well-designed corridors. Inspired by the classical Pavilion of Surging Waves, the design blurs the boundaries between the private courtyard and the broader community landscape, creating a fluid interaction of interior and exterior spaces that engage with the natural and conceptual water systems, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

The residence boasts a meticulously crafted spatial layout that seamlessly integrates intimate and expansive areas, enhancing the daily living experience. The design's nuanced transitions establish a guided progression through the space, instilling a sense of continual discovery. Careful calibration of spatial dimensions ensures a comfortable and secure living environment, avoiding overwhelming vastness or confining enclosure. The refined interior, punctuated by various elegant windows, each framing distinctive views of the surrounding landscape, effectively transforms the home into a living gallery of natural vistas. Rooted in a profound understanding of the family's structure and lifestyle, the design revitalizes the interplay between architecture, occupants, and the environment. The outcome is a thoughtfully orchestrated spatial configuration that harmonizes and integrates the relationships between landscape, architecture, and interior design, preserving the unique character of each element within the composition.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design