Location: Japan
Architect: Takashi Hamada
Interior designer: Ryoko Ogoshi/ FFE Hiromi Hiroshima
Construction Company: Suzuki Construction co,. Ltd

Having commissioned an architect to create the external shell, the client asked interior designer, Ryoko Ogoshi to create a sophisticated, warm, modern interior to respond to the dramatic setting of the house. Ryoko worked with the clients and the architect from the earliest stages of the design and together they modified the interior architecture the architect had initially proposed to make the interior spaces respond to the client’s lifestyle and the exterior views.

The landscape and stunning views of the ocean were the inspiration for the interior design concept, nature and appreciating our beautiful planet have become more important to us all. The clients wanted a weekend home where they could indulge in this love of nature. A place to relax away from their busy city lives, to watch the sunset while listening to the sounds of the sea, sitting by a fire in the sunken living space.

The clients are Japanese/American so the fusion of East and West cultures is quietly incorporated throughout the design. Having spent time in California, they both love surfing and being outdoors, and the home has an observatory and large greenhouse for growing produce. The main double-height living space has the most spectacular views of the sea and the sunken seating area creates even more focus on these views.

The two bedrooms are simply decorated with muted colours and textures, again to focus the eye on the sea views that both rooms have. The master bedroom and ensuite are light and bright, while the guest room uses a Japanese wallpaper which is the bridal colour of the client and evokes special memories for them.

The project is all about the views, capturing them, seeing the landscape and seascape change with the weather and the seasons. The internal architectural layout of the house that Ryoko created reinforces this at every point, by addressing every key room to the views. The client bought the site because of its dramatic location – a rocky hillside behind and the Pacific Ocean in front.