Friday, July 22, 2016

Puddle: a home in Japan designed to let the rainwater in

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (1)

When we build a new home, one of the most important parts of the construction process is keeping rainwater out. Water causes mold and rotting, which can compromise entire foundations of homes. But one family in Japan saw rainwater not as an unwanted intruder but simply a part of life that, when controlled, can bring you and your home closer in-tune with nature.

puddle house from above

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (3)

Completed in May of 2016, the aptly titled “Puddle” is a residential home in Matsusaka City (Mie prefecture, Japan) that was designed by architect Masaki Yoneda. His client, a family of 3, had been inspired by their experience overseas when they lived in a villa accompanied by a small pool of water. But the openness of a villa would not provide the type of privacy needed in the dense residential neighborhoods of Japan. So Yoneda designed the home around a large, hollowed-out chimney, which would disperse light into the many rooms of the home. Inspired by the work of artist James Turrell, the architect conceived the chimney as a piece of contemporary art that residents could enter and immerse themselves in.

puddle house by yoneda (2)

The chimney also serves the primary purpose of bringing rainwater into the home. A round hole cut into the base allows rainwater to drip down into a small space within the home that’s enclosed by glass but also can be entered. During periods of heavy rain the puddle grows in size , while clear skies cause the puddle to slowly shrink. The structure identifies rain as a part of life, just like sun, and should be enjoyed equally.

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (2)

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (4)

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (5)

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (6)

Puddle House by Masaki Yoneda (7)



from Spoon & Tamago http://ift.tt/29Qxmz0

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