White Cave House by Takuro Yamamoto Architects is a massive lump engraved by a series of voids interconnected in the shape of a kinked tube. The connection of voids – architects call it Cave – is the theme of this house. Internal rooms are designed to enjoy the minimum views of Cave characterized by its whiteness. At the same time, this concept is also the practical solution to realize a courtyard house in Kanazawa city known for heavy snow in Japan.
The client’s original request was a white minimally-designed house with many external spaces, such as a large snow-proof approach to the entrance, a roofed garage for multiple cars, a terrace facing to the sky, and a courtyard.
Architects proposed to connect these external spaces one another into a large single tube, or Cave. They designed Cave unstraight because it prevents passengers outside from seeing through, though it is not closed.
By this arrangement, Cave takes a new turn for each part letting in the sunshine while protecting privacy of the courtyard, the terrace, and the internal rooms. The family inside can enjoy the view of Cave changing its contrast throughout a day under the sunshine. Cave also serves as a route to remove snow from the external spaces in winter.
In order to make Cave deserve its name more, Takuro Yamamoto Architects wondered if they could add the reflection of water to the house because they thought water is inseparable from white caves. The terrace covered by white waterproof FRP holds a thin layer of water like a white basin. On the terrace reflecting the skyview without obstacles, you may feel that Cave has brought you to another world far from the daily life.
Images courtesy of Takuro Yamamoto Architects
Discover: takuroyama.jp
