The House kn by Kochi Architect's Studio manages to both isolate itself from and integrate itself into the surrounding neighborhood. The angled walls that at once create and expose the void enable the inhabitants to be protected from the neighbors when desired, and yet embraces the neighborhood (especially at night). The higher portions of the wall are adjacent to the deck, while the lower portions are adjacent to the lower level garden. This is quite a simple, yet elegant and successful solution for the dense areas of Japan. While we often see modern Japanese architects walling their projects off from the surrounding density, I like that this project engages the density, while still offering a modicum of protection..
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