Shell House: Awesome Seaside Home in Japan is Modeled After Mollusks

This <a href="http://inhabitat.com/minimalist-home-06-is-a-clean-green-walled-haven-in-amsterdam/">minimalist polygonal home</a> in Chiba Minamiboso is both delicate and sturdy, like a shell, and it makes the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/japans-villa-ronde-is-a-self-cooling-seaside-oasis/">seaside surrounding it</a> even more magical than it already is. Designed by <a href="http://www.hirobe.net/sea-side-s.html">Takeshi Hirobe Architects</a>, the 73.84 m2 weekend home with a footprint of less than 500 m2 is a succinct design that makes the most of its available space.

This polygonal home is so typical of minimalist Japanese design.

It is a small weekend retreat in Chiba Minamiboso.

The owners wanted a home that would resemble a shell - physically and structurally.

Takeshi Hirobe came up with something that is at once delicate and sturdy.

The triangular windows are both attractive, and serve a structural purpose.

While the gravel sliver in the outdoor deck absorbs stormwater runoff.

The home is characterized by a tremendous sense of warmth.

Skylights let in just the right amount of natural lighting.

The bathroom is comprised of a standard tile that retains the home's overall character.

Reducing the need for additional furniture, shelving is built directly into the sloping wood panels.

What a view!

Night time lighting is soft and indirect, giving the home a warm glow.

The flooring is made from Rosewood, which is sustainable if sourced from either Bolivia or Brazil.

Albeit small, the building loses absolutely nothing in spaciousness.