Japan. At the base of Mount Daisen, a project by Yuzo Osumi Architects that features a contemporary take on the traditional “engawa” [in-between space mediating outside and inside]

Designed like a shed and placed so as to preserve the existing trees, the  design creates a direct connection between man and nature. Even in their rooms, the inhabitants can enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the natural environment, thanks to the use of material and to framed views. At the ground level, the living room and the other common areas are surrounded by an engawa space, which is an intermediate space between the outside and the inside, as reference to Japanese traditional architecture.

The outer surface is wrapped up by sliding screens containing slits of glass. This surface lets in natural light and can be easily opened and closed; moreover, the reflection of trees on the glass merges the building with the surrounding landscape. On the inside of the sliding screen create the engawa space (intermediate space, air layer) between them.

The engawa space helps the inhabitants to live according to nature not just as concept (a buffer zone that keeps the inside calm and makes you feel part of the landscape) but also factually, protecting the house from the weather outside. During the summer, the sliding screens are kept open and nature invades the whole ground floor.  Even when it’s moderately cold, in autumn, they are left open and the interior space (wrapped by the inside screen) is still comfortable. However, when it gets really cold, they can be closed to keep the house warm. No matter how the sliding panels are used, light comes in and the trees are there, just behind the glass.

The Plan article in Italian