This residential project, situated on a gentle slope overlooking the Bay of Beppu, is designed to address key client needs for privacy while fostering a strong connection with the surrounding neighborhood. Nestled within a traditional downtown area marked by narrow streets and closely packed houses, the site unexpectedly offers expansive space-equivalent to four neighboring plots opening up towards a public car park that serves the community center.

The primary aim of this project was to create a home that allows for personal privacy while maintaining an engaging dialogue with the community. While an initial proposal included a tall wall to block views, the design team sought to enhance neighborhood interaction without losing the relationship to the street.

To effectively utilize the generous site, the house is divided into five distinct volumes, each reflecting the scale and proportions of the neighboring structures. This configuration not only allows the new building to harmonize with the nostalgic character of the neighborhood but also gives each volume a unique function, such as the main bedroom, children’s rooms, and expansive living spaces while surrounding a calming central courtyard.

The courtyard serves as a private retreat within the urban density, encouraging family interaction and connections to the outdoors. Materials were purposely chosen to reinforce the indoor-outdoor relationship, with courtyard tiles extending into the interior spaces and white walls enhancing natural light. The facade of humble silver corrugated steel allows the building to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, reflecting the colors and textures of the area.

Large openings facilitate privacy from the street while inviting light and energy into the home. The combination of diverse spatial experiences and abundant natural light transforms the house into a desirable sanctuary—an oasis that thoughtfully balances privacy with a sense of belonging to the vibrant community, ultimately enriching both the residents' lives and the neighborhood's character.