naf architect & design: glass house for diver
similar to breakwaters for large waves, 1 x 1 x 1.5 meter concrete blocks are systematically stacked to form the exterior of this oceanside dwelling.
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‘glass house for diver’ by naf architect & design, hiroshima, japan all images courtesy of naf architect & design
tokyo and hiroshima-based practice naf architect & design have recently completed ‘glass house for diver’, an ocean-side residence in hiroshima, japan. the exterior is generated by stacking 1 x 1 x 1.5 meter blocks on top of one another, similar to the form of breakwaters to dissipate waves. manufactured from leftover concrete, the blocks are produced by accumulating the extra material at a cement factory in etajima city in hiroshima. the pace of the house’s construction was directly dependent upon the formulation of the components, as construction waited for their phased arrival to the site. an unusual way to schedule a project’s process, this example of ‘slow architecture’ is not perceived as a normal approach in modern day construction.
a groove cut into the surface facilitates the lifting of the elements into place by crane. reinforcing bars are placed through the unit to stabilize during seismic events. stacked in rows, the alignment of vertical joints dictate the standardized shifts between them to create even intervals. the open-weave arrangement allows wind to pass through while obscuring views for privacy inside. sunlight reflects off the surface and into the interior which is enclosed with a glass wall set inside the perimeter blockade. a steel roof shelters from solar gain.
aerial view
similar to a breakwater, stacked concrete blocks form the exterior walls
ocean view
the dwelling’s walls mimic the oceanside retaining wall
outdoor patio
sunning deck
sunning deck
staggered roof and window planes transition into the interior of the house
gravel path between the concrete blocks and glass enclosure
corridor to the bathroom
glass house
living space
view to the tatami room from the terrace
glass house
glass house
tatami room
view from tatami room to the living room
glass house
glass house
kitchen + dining area
at sunset
at sunset
at dusk
at dusk
at night
terrace at night
terrace at night
site plan
floor plan / level 0
section
masonry block detail
exploded axonometric
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