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