
first image
'beach house' by atelier bow wow, chiba, japan
all images © atelier bow wow
japanese firm atelier bow wow has recently completed the beach house in chiba, japan. the project consists of two distinct parts: a vertical wood box
presenting itself at street side and a horizontal glass and reinforced concrete element towards the interior of the site.the timber-clad steel frame
mass creates a more 'traditional' presence along the street, containing the private bedrooms and main entry. just behind, a small staircase leads to
a large open wooden space housing the living room and social areas, supported on an angular concrete plinth on stilts. the rooftop contains a garden
and an additional exterior space in which to socialize and enjoy the outdoors. a horizontal layer of large square windows fills the interior with light
and extends views to the outside, while an overhanging canopy helps shade from direct sunlight.

street side elevation

entry

social functions on a concrete base with a rooftop garden

social area

wood mass staircase
nice, and nice that it has like minded neighbours, rare in Japan. the sea-foam genkan is cool too. I take it the beach is to the social side rather than the street.