Under The Sea

"'Villa Ronde' by Tokyo- and Paris-based design practice henri gyeundan arch. and ass: ciel rouge creation is a circular residence with a private museum on a rocky coast by the sea in japan. Directly engaging with the natural elements of the site, the design features a porous facade that allows the interior to experience the wind and natural light as well as provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Partially plugged into the topography of the land, the circular form was driven by the presence of a dominant northern wind, resulting in an angle-less structure that will provide the least amount of resistance on the site. The underground portion of the residence benefits from thermal exchange, facilitating passive operations in providing an ideal microclimate within. Cross ventilation is achieved through an inner garden that serves as a convection system in attracting fresh air. A 40cm thick roof garden, which hosts 500 m2 of solar panels, serves as natural insulation in addition to blurring the physical boundary between architecture and landscape.

Circumscribing a central courtyard, the interior programs are arranged as a 'wandering place' with rooms connected freely in a fluid manner. Small and large apertures that puncture the facade provide views of the water, rendering the house as a 'panoramic tower' reminiscent of old fortresses by the sea. As a result, every room holds an intimate relationship with the site, utilizing the landscape as a constant backdrop to the atmosphere of the interior."

Photos by ishii. t

Source: Cielrouge