TAPO builds horizon house to frame views of the ocean in japan

for its latest project TAPO (tomioka architectural planning office) has designed the ‘horizon house‘ for a coastal site in the japanese city of omaezaki. with a prominent hillside position overlooking the pacific ocean, the residence has been formed to gain unobstructed sea views. built in parallel to the coastline, the building combines light-filled, airy spaces with minimal interiors.

exterior view, image © yasuyuki nakamura

the house is designed by TAPO over two storys and has a footprint measuring 21 x 8 meters. upon entering on the first floor from the outside, a view from the entrance hall straight to the ocean awaits. the first floor level also includes a study, a closet and a separate japanese-style room with bathroom and kitchen for guest accommodation. on the upper level, the living, dining and kitchen areas can be found, which all boast incredible sea views thanks to huge floor to ceiling windows.

living and dining space, image © ichiro kawaguchi

the bathroom on the upper level enjoys the most remarkable sea view with a 21 meter panoramic window that surrounds the space. on the north side of the upper floor there is a master bedroom, a children’s room, a toilet and a closet with a view of the southern alps and mt. fuji. a continuous balcony also wraps around the sea-facing elevation of this floor, allowing residents to enjoy the natural environment and ocean breeze.

outdoor living room, image © ichiro kawaguchi

for the structure of the horizon house a steel frame with a span of 3.6 meters has been utilized. inside, the interior of the residence has been kept minimal with white walls and ceiling and light grey tiled floors. this pared-back aesthetic combined with the abundance of glazing allows the ocean view to take center stage, making the house the perfect frame for the beautiful landscape ahead.

kitchen, image © ichiro kawaguchi

bathroom, image © ichiro kawaguchi

exterior view, image © yasuyuki nakamura

outdoor living room, image © shinichiro tomioka

bathroom view, image © shinichiro tomioka

exterior view, image © ichiro kawaguchi

project info:

project name: ‘horizon house’

location: omaezaki city, shizuoka prefecture, japan

architect: TAPO (tomioka architectural planning office)

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom