The Sunbrella House is a rustic retreat which utilizes the natural propoerties of the land, while allowing its residents to appreciate their surroundings by accentuating its breathtaking views.

The rural town of Ome is lined with a beautiful forest to the north and east, and views of serene mountains can be seen to the south. With such dynamic landscape also comes certain weather effects. Ikeda Yukie took this into consideration when designing the shape of the home. Curved walls, rather than sharp angles, allow the winter winds to gently circulate around the residence, rather than confront it. The home, painted grey, also resembles the sloping topography of the region.

The overhanging roof protects the interior from the harsh sun of the summer, and spontaneous storms of the winter, as well as providing a shady spot for sitting on the porch. The smaller second floor overlooks the hanging eave, with access to the edge of it on the second floor patio.

Inside, the timber beams of the home are exposed, resembling umbrella spokes, to which the home gets its name. Built-in timber shelving line the walls, and built-in table surfaces further reduce the need for additional furniture. A small staircase leads to the second floor bedroom that is interconnected to the first, reducing the need for a separate heat source.

In the summer, the roof is passively cooled by siphoning cool water from the underground well beneath the home. The second floor bedroom is lined with solar paneling on its roof, providing some offset energy for the home. The Sunbrella House is a rustic retreat which utilizes the natural propoerties of the land, while allowing its residents to appreciate their surroundings by accentuating its breathtaking views.

+ Ikeda Yukie Architects

Via Designboom