Hayato Komatsu Architects

A Tranquil Home Overlooking the Beauty of Many Islands
This residence stands in Kamijima Town, a remote island municipality along the Shimanami Kaido that connects Hiroshima and Ehime, at the edge of the prefectural boundary. From the site, the serene island-dotted seascape of the Seto Inland Sea unfolds, while to the north a lush green landscape can also be enjoyed. Making use of the region’s mild climate and low rainfall, the design aims to draw the scenery extending from west to north into everyday life.
As the road in front carries a steady flow of traffic, a large garden was placed on the ground floor. Rich layers of planting gently adjust sightlines from the surroundings while allowing residents to enjoy views of the sea. Facing the main living space, a terrace sheltered by deep eaves extending over three meters functions as an outer living room, where interior and exterior merge seamlessly. Movable bamboo blinds installed beneath the eaves provide a flexible means of controlling the strong western sunlight.
Another terrace, accessible from the washroom, is conceived as a multipurpose outdoor space, accommodating children’s play as well as the possible installation of a future sauna. In terms of airflow, breezes entering the living room pass through a glass transom above the kitchen and continue toward a window high in the stair hall. Other rooms are similarly planned so that ventilation can be adjusted by operating the windows of the stair hall.
Cradled by the beauty of many islands and surrounding greenery, this house gently weaves a way of living unique to its setting, embracing the gifts of nature in a calm and measured manner.