harmony in contrast: wa house blends vernacular architecture & modern archetypes in japan

a modern fisherman’s house in Kansai, Japan

In the picturesque Wakayama, a renowned resort in Kansai, Japan, designer Gwenael Nicolas of Tokyo-based Curiosity Studio has crafted a modern fisherman’s house, the Wa House. Nestled along the Nanki-Shirahama coast, which is also a national park, the structure harmonizes with its rugged, Atlantic-like rocky setting. Collaborating with Haretoke Architects, the design embraces the challenge of nature.

Wa House features a linear, single-story structure that respects the grandeur of the ocean by aligning its height with the horizon. Its distinctive wing-shaped roof not only adds character but also withstands the fierce coastal winds. Delicately resting on a concrete foundation, the wooden house is elevated above the rocks, allowing large waves to pass underneath during storms. The house’s dark color seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings and the reef’s dark stone.

all images by Ikunori Yamamoto, Yasutaka Kojima, Gwenael Nicolas

a modern twist on traditional architecture

Its expansive roof not only offers shade to the terraces but also evokes a modern interpretation of traditional architecture, refined into a minimalist sculptural form. Wa House, enveloped and protected, showcases a singular material: Yakisugi, burnt cedar wood, chosen for its suitability in this challenging environment. According to the design team (see more here and here), the house’s most striking feature is its panoramic 180-degree ocean vistas. The generously sized terrace creates a striking indoor-outdoor experience, letting views spill over the interior. To emphasize further the continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, the architects opted for a consistent floor finish throughout the house.

The interior is adorned with artifacts and artworks reminiscent of the sea, such as Genta Ishizuka’s lacquer art positioned above the sofa. The open kitchen, resembling a substantial monolith, stands at the heart of the living room. The expansive window frames the surrounding scenery, providing inhabitants with unobstructed views while cooking and entertaining. Every aspect of the interior design aims to evoke a primal and fundamental connection with nature, reviving emotions and sensations that may have waned amidst urban living. Another piece of art near the kitchen consists of sizable rusty panels formed by nature.

the house enjoys 180-degree ocean views

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The house hosts two Japanese-style rooms, an atelier, and a spacious living room, all thoughtfully designed to offer sweeping ocean views. The Japanese-style rooms provide versatile spaces suitable for various purposes, including entertainment, tea ceremonies, and relaxation. The design concept revolves around concealing the functions, lights, handles, and switches within the linear lines of the black wood, enhancing the house’s timeless and primal ambiance.

The color palette and material selection within the house draw inspiration from the surrounding environment, taking cues from the earthy tones and natural hues of the area. With textured walls and ceramic tiles in warm grey shades, the materials create a cohesive and expansive atmosphere. The rooms feature large sliding doors that seamlessly blend with the walls, creating a sense of openness throughout the entire house.

burnt cedar wood wraps the envelope of the house

Additionally, the bathroom is designed as a tranquil retreat within the home. In the vanity area, a soft and radiant glow emanates from a large suspended shade, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and calmness within this intimate space. The bathtub, intentionally positioned lower, and seemingly carved into the black stone floor, seamlessly merges with the natural surroundings, evoking a primitive aesthetic and sensations.

To protect the interior from inclement weather, the house can be fully enclosed using Yakisugi (burned cedar) shutters, reminiscent of traditional Japanese houses. In essence, Wa House seeks to foster a dialogue between vernacular architecture and modern abstract archetypes, blending elements of the past and present.

a spacious terrace offers unobstructed panoramas toward the ocean