Water/Glass

This glass villa is one of the early works of Kengo Kuma, an architect primarily known for his mastery of wood. However, in this project, he focused on water and glass, crafting a sense of infinity and transparency. Originally built in 1995 as a private guesthouse, the villa is now part of the Atami Kaihourou resort, offering four exclusive suites.

The design was influenced by a serendipitous encounter—Kengo Kuma discovered the work of Bruno Taut, a renowned German architect, right here in Atami. Taut lived in Japan from 1933 to 1936, dedicating much of his time to studying and appreciating traditional Japanese architecture. Inspired by the 17th-century Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Taut designed his own Hyuga Villa in Atami, incorporating key elements of Japanese architectural tradition. One such feature was the engawa (縁側)—an open veranda that seamlessly transitions from the house to the garden, blurring the boundary between interior and nature.

Kengo Kuma sought to capture the same essence, creating a space where the separation between inside and outside is almost imperceptible. Unlike Western architecture, which is typically framed by vertical surfaces like walls and windows, traditional Japanese architecture is defined by horizontal planes—floors and ceilings. Following this principle, the villa is designed with only two visible horizontal elements: a water-covered floor and a ceiling. The result is a fluid, transparent space where architecture and nature merge effortlessly.