Architecture Wednesday: Nasu Tepee

I do like something different, vacation cabin in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, a well-known summer resort in Japan fits the bill.

Since the site is located in the midst of dense woods the idea was to have high ceilings to let direct sunlight in the house, but in a traditional home that would result in the space becoming too large, too cost-ineffective for heating and air conditioning, and the fear that some trees might have to come down to make way for a tall “regular” house. So, unnecessary space was eliminated, cut diagonally to make the ceiling lower based on the way people move. This resulted in a tent-shaped house with only one third of the volumes, with ceilings as high as 26 feet and most ceilings a comfortable 8.5 feet high, with spaces closest to the sloped walls used as sleeping or seating areas.

The windows are all double glazed in order to ensure that the tall spaces are airtight and well insulated.. During summer, warm air gathers at the top and escapes through the top light side window, while in winter that warm air is drawn down into the larger spaces.

It may not suit everyone, but I love the odd shapes, the slopes walls, the high angular windows and the peaceful Zen-ness of the living spaces.

I could camp there …

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