A House in SANSHAMACHI, 2007

I am intrigued by the simple, modest and quiet facade of this house in Kanazawa, Japan, designed by architect Dai Nagasaka. It is a respectful design to the beautiful old castle town known as ‘Mini Kyoto’ because of its historic character.

I’ve always thought that creating something contemporary in a place with rich historic heritage and a taste would be a strenuous task, but the design of this house looks effortless.

If I would have a house in Japan, I would want something contemporary but wouldn’t want it to stand out. And it has got to have an entrance/window like a “nijiriguchi” somewhere in the design even there would be no tea ceremony room.