Architectural Cases

Denizen Works, a UK-based architecture firm, has recently completed its inaugural housing project in Japan. This distinctive residence, known as the "House in Onimichi," features an austere, almost entirely enclosed facade facing the public street, deliberately crafted to maximize the privacy of its inhabitants. Constructed with charred timber, the dwelling is strategically positioned to capture breathtaking vistas of the ocean and nearby islands along Japan's southwestern coastline, offering a serene escape for its owners.

The central design philosophy behind this project was to establish a secluded haven that fully leverages its stunning coastal location. According to Murray Kerr, the founder of Denizen Works, the intent was to sculpt a private sanctuary that gazes out upon the expansive sea and the picturesque Setouchi Islands. The design ingeniously draws inspiration from the layout of traditional Japanese homes, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary living. This approach was particularly tailored for clients who sought a quieter existence after relocating from London to Japan.

The residence comprises a two-story main living area, housing a single bedroom, and an adjoining single-story studio. These two structures are thoughtfully arranged to partially embrace a small, intimate garden. Both sections are unified by a consistent cladding of vertical, charred Yakisugi timber, and are accessed via a sheltered entry path. Kerr elaborated that the design distinguishes between the 'Omoya,' or principal house, and the 'Hanare,' an annexe, symbolizing the division between professional and personal spheres, thereby fostering a heightened sense of seclusion.

Further enhancing the home's enigmatic quality and sense of privacy, the street-facing elevation is devoid of windows, save for the discreetly placed covered entrance. This deliberate design choice imbues the house with an air of mystery, safeguarding the owners' private domain. Inside, the lower level accommodates the bedroom and bathroom, while the upper floor is dedicated to an open-plan kitchen and dining area. This elevated space is meticulously designed to optimize the captivating sea views, featuring windows at varying heights to ensure unobstructed sightlines whether one is seated on the floor or in conventional Western furniture.

This innovative project is a collaborative effort between Denizen Works and Hiroshima-based Take Architects, with the latter playing a pivotal role in refining many of the construction intricacies. The design synthesizes Denizen Works' extensive expertise with traditional Japanese architectural forms and artisanal techniques. Kerr noted the importance of respectfully interpreting traditional forms, explaining that the studio aimed to create a functional ground-floor studio, drawing inspiration from the traditional 'doma' concept. The architects also embraced a cultural fusion, incorporating window placements that cater to both Eastern and Western seating preferences. The spatial planning subtly integrates proportions typical of British residences, while meticulously adhering to Japanese traditional timber frame construction methods, which are based on tatami size modules. This unique combination results in an architecture that feels both distinct and familiar.

This dwelling has been warmly embraced by the local community, becoming a valued addition to the neighborhood. It continues Denizen Works' tradition of crafting captivating homes, such as their contemporary castle-inspired residence in Scotland. Kerr emphasized that the House in Onimichi embodies their ongoing commitment to creating projects that transcend the conventional experience of a typical home. Its sculptural presence, elemental character, and the absence of street-facing openings collectively foster a deep sense of personal privacy, aligning perfectly with the clients' aspirations. This straightforward yet thoughtful approach, coupled with the integration of local construction methods, has yielded a home that seamlessly integrates into its environment, much like a community-minded resident finding its natural place.

In a harmonious blend of human innovation and natural inspiration, MAD Architects has unveiled the Lishui Airport in China, a striking testament to contemporary design. The terminal, characterized by its sculptural form and silver-white facade, draws its aesthetic cues from the serene imagery of misty mountains and birds gracefully soaring through the sky. This 17-year endeavor, overcoming significant topographical challenges, now stands as a functional and aesthetically pleasing gateway, designed to welcome passengers with an embrace of nature and thoughtful architecture.

Lishui Airport: A Fusion of Design and Environment

In the coastal province of Zhejiang, China, approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the vibrant city of Lishui, a new architectural landmark has emerged from the creative vision of MAD Architects. The Lishui Airport, officially inaugurated and now serving travelers, is ingeniously integrated into a low mountain range, reflecting a profound respect for its natural setting. Completed after a meticulous 17-year construction period, this project, conceived in 2008, presented one of East China's most intricate topographical challenges, necessitating extensive earthworks to prepare the site.

The terminal building, while spanning a modest 12,000 square meters within the expansive 2,267-hectare airport complex, is a marvel of compact yet capacious design. It boasts eight aircraft parking bays and is projected to accommodate a remarkable one million domestic passengers annually, with future expansions aiming for 1.8 million by 2030 and five million by 2050, including an international terminal. MAD Architects' founder, Ma Yansong, emphasized the deliberate choice for a compact structure, ensuring an airy and comfortable internal environment. The interior is meticulously lined with warm-toned wood and natural textures, fostering a bright atmosphere that maintains a continuous dialogue with the surrounding landscape through a one-and-a-half-story layout.

The airport’s design narrative is deeply rooted in its environment. The roof, clad in shimmering silver-white aluminum panels, is crafted to interact dynamically with varying light and weather conditions, mimicking the appearance of mist-shrouded hills and birds in flight. This conscious design choice ensures the architecture is perceived as an organic extension of the broader landscape rather than an isolated object. Structural integrity is provided by fourteen distinctive umbrella-shaped columns supporting the lightweight roof, which is elegantly punctured by a long skylight. This feature, complemented by expansive curtain walls, not only bathes the terminal in natural light but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the adjacent mountains.

The airport's comprehensive facilities include a sunken car park, a beautifully landscaped central promenade positioned beneath the main building, and a grand double-height entrance hall. This hall seamlessly connects the ground-floor arrival areas with the upper-level departure lounge, ensuring a smooth and intuitive flow for passengers. The Lishui Airport project adds to MAD Architects' impressive portfolio, following the recent opening of the Fenix museum in Rotterdam and ongoing designs for other significant airports in China, such as Terminal 3 at Changchun Longjia International Airport and Harbin Airport Terminal Three, each showcasing the firm's innovative approach to airport architecture.

The successful completion of Lishui Airport offers a compelling vision for future infrastructure projects. It underscores the potential for architectural design to not only serve functional needs but also to enrich human experience through a deep connection to nature. This project challenges conventional airport aesthetics, proving that these essential gateways can be more than just transit points; they can be spaces of tranquility, beauty, and thoughtful integration with their ecological context. It serves as an inspiration for architects and urban planners worldwide to consider the broader environmental and sensory impact of their creations, fostering a new era of sustainable and harmonious development.