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Hurricane villa

Koichi Futatusmata came up with a solution for a single family house in Yoron island, Japan, that needed both panoramic openings to the sea and protection from local hurricanes.

Koichi Futatusmata, Case-Real, Yoron Villa, Kagoshima, Japan, 2016

Koichi Futatusmata from Case-Real designed a concrete house on the shores of Yoron Island, a place created from elevated coral reefs. Located on the southernmost point of the Kagoshima prefecture, this island is surrounded by a beautiful emerald green ocean which is visible from this site.

The design is centered on the idea of solving the dicotomy between intaking the view, sunlight and wind, and protecting the inhabitants from the harsh rays and hurricanes so common in this area. Regarding the view issue, the master bed room was kept on the ocean side while the other rooms face the land side.

The large uneven space between these two volumes function as the main space, which becomes the path of the seasonal winds. The main living spaces are protected by a covered perimeter space that functions as a protected terrace, creating a buffer zone to secure the safety of the interiors from objects flying during the hurricanes. At the same time comfortable openings secure pleasant panoramic views.

The mesh metal fixtures were inspired by a traditional Okinawa construction material called the “Flower Block”, so to give a strong exterior image. Using hammer toned reinforced concrete and natural materials with distinct characteristics in the interiors the architects created a place that blends with the local climate.