Facing the Seto Inland Sea, with unique views of Miyajima Island and the Itsukushina Shrine, is this concrete structure designed by Kazunori Fujimoto Architect & Associates.

To make the most of the scenery and dignify the view in the direction of the shrine, the house rises on an abrupt slope in the form of a rectangular concrete prism. The entire composition of the facade presents features of De Stijl, the Dutch art movement of the first half of the 20th century that was characterized by elemental shapes, in particular the rectangle. Various openings appear on the volume that bring light in and try to soften the form of the traditional box, maintaining a modest air. On the south, the facade stretches beyond the building’s volume on one side.

The layout spreads both horizontally and vertically, forming diaphanous and high-ceilinged spaces. Access from the road leads to the second floor, which is broad in all directions and contains the living room and the kitchen, opening out at the south end to a large balcony that sticks out of the south facade for sweeping views of the sea. The lower level, which gives out onto the garden and includes a bedroom four meters high, is entered via narrow stairs dimly lit to reinforce a sense of calm. Upstairs is another bedroom, presenting the same features that appear elsewhere.

Physically the house responds to the spiritual nature of the place, and one can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Seto Inland Sea.