[ Filed under Contemporary or in the Architecture category ] Perhaps it is too simple to say that the Japanese have mastered the architectural art of merging the subtle with the sublime .. but this contemporary home is yet another amazing example of contemporary house architecture that breaks with convention while maintaining tradition. The few critical design moves used to make something sensational and modern also conversely conform to traditional patterns in unexpected ways. The structure starts with conventional a-frame plan and regional charred-cedar material – but changes dramatically with the addition of stilts that raise the upper stories above the rest and create room for a full wrap-around deck. The black siding and roofing contrasts sharply with the thin white-painted steel supports – and the black boxes above and below the void in the center likewise are likewise the inverse of this empty interstitial outdoor deck space. Piercing through these layers is a set of spiral staircases that also serve as light wells, bringing both artificial and daytime light up and down through them to spectacular effect. The white versus black (versus natural wood) theme also plays out in different ways from one story to the next, with dark-stained floors and contrastingly smooth white ceiling surfaces to reflect light. Conventional Japanese sliding doors serve to maintain an open flow on the first floor between inside and out while other traditional spatial strategies specific to Japan are found throughout the plan.

Originally posted here : Stylish House on Stilts has 360-Degree Deck & Spiral Stairs