House C by Hiroshi Nakamura / NAP Architects

Those familiar with Japan will know that Chiba’s natural beauty is equivalent to Tokyo’s city excitement. Hiroshi Nakamura of NAP Architects draws from a hands-on, tactile experience of shaping the rich soil of Chiba’s ground as inspiration for House C. In fact, House C was commissioned by a Tokyo urbanite who wanted a getaway from the noise and a respite with the earth. Though not quite a vacation, the resident family of three chipped in the construction process as they helped cover the basic building structure with Chiba’s soil for both insulation and protection from erosion. Tufts of grass grow on the roof of the home, and make the entire residence seem like a friendly monster poking its head up from the earth after a gentle slumber. The house opens up to the sea, with one entire wall dedicated to a view over the rolling waves and endless horizon. Columns frame the picturesque scenery, and the minimal furniture inside the house creates an expanse within that matches the vastness of the open sky. A wooden veranda of the house extends its arms toward the water, encouraging its owners to do the same.

Images courtesy of NAP Architects