shinichi ogawa's seaside house in kanagawa overlooks the pacific ocean

this ‘seaside house’ in japan’s kanagawa prefecture includes two vastly different façades that naturally respond to their immediate surroundings. the home, which has been designed by architect shinichi ogawa, presents a white window-less elevation to the passing street where the entrance to the property is found. conversely, the opposing elevation is much more permeable, with large openings and floor-to-ceiling glazing presenting panoramic views of the north pacific ocean.

all images courtesy of shinichi ogawa & associates

designed by shinichi ogawa — whose firm has offices in hiroshima and tokyo — the two-storey dwelling serves as a family weekend retreat. residents enter the house through an enclosed courtyard, which also provides space for parked cars. the lower level contains the home’s sleeping quarters with both a guest room and the master bedroom opening out onto a terrace that spans the length of the property. sunken into the veranda, an infinity pool offers sweeping ocean views.

large openings and floor-to-ceiling glazing presents panoramic views of the pacific ocean

illuminated from above, a spiral staircase in the entrance foyer leads upstairs where the primary living accommodation is found. the open-plan interiors include designated kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, which spill onto an outdoor terrace that — as with the level below — spans the entire length of the home. all exterior and interior façades and finishes have been rendered white, with a minimal amount of furnishing and decoration.

the two-storey dwelling serves as a family weekend retreat

 living accommodation is found on the upper of the two storeys

the lower level contains the home’s sleeping quarters and a large bathroom

living areas spill onto an outdoor terrace

a spiral staircase in the entrance foyer leads upstairs

an infinity pool offers sweeping ocean views

the sculptural staircase is illuminated from above

a white window-less elevation is presented to the passing street

project info:

location: kanagawa, japan
program: house
structural system: reinforced concrete
scale: 2 stories
site area: 333.29 sqm
building area: 126.00 sqm
total area: 197.17 sqm
completed: april 2017

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