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Collection by David Rudin

This Modest Japanese Home is a Surfer's Paradise

A bright white home facilitates outdoor living within its walls.

How to create a home for a client who would rather be outdoors? In Fujisawa, Japan, Apollo Architects and Associates did just that, designing a home for a client who loves to surf. Located near the beach, the home includes a bathroom that can be accessed from outside, making it easy for the owner to clean up following a session. The house’s interior is replete with reminders of the great outdoors. Its U-shaped layout centers on a courtyard and a memorial tree. Generous windows provide the family with views outside the house and across the courtyard. These views are an ever present reminder that nature sits between where one is and where one wants to go.

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The home’s forms, which are masked by the cantilevered entrance, become apparent once one enters the central courtyard. Living spaces abut three of its sides, looking in with full-height windows. The roofline can be seen fluctuating as one goes from front-to-back. The memorial tree, around which the courtyard and home are built, will continue to grow in coming years.
The home’s forms, which are masked by the cantilevered entrance, become apparent once one enters the central courtyard. Living spaces abut three of its sides, looking in with full-height windows. The roofline can be seen fluctuating as one goes from front-to-back. The memorial tree, around which the courtyard and home are built, will continue to grow in coming years.
In the kitchen, black cabinetry and countertops from Swan Company offer a crisp counterpoint to the house’s white walls. Appliances from Swan Company and a Santini faucet ensure that the space is also functional.
In the kitchen, black cabinetry and countertops from Swan Company offer a crisp counterpoint to the house’s white walls. Appliances from Swan Company and a Santini faucet ensure that the space is also functional.
The table, chairs, and bench in the dining area all come from Actus. Their walnut finish harmonizes with the ceiling’s Oregon pine louvers. The ceiling’s pitch and the direction of its louvers guide the eye down towards the central courtyard.
The table, chairs, and bench in the dining area all come from Actus. Their walnut finish harmonizes with the ceiling’s Oregon pine louvers. The ceiling’s pitch and the direction of its louvers guide the eye down towards the central courtyard.
The living room is situated across the courtyard from the kitchen and dining room. Actus’ Graham sofa and beige carpet provide soft textural touches. The wall console was designed by Apollo Architects and Associates and created for the site by Zousakukagu.
The living room is situated across the courtyard from the kitchen and dining room. Actus’ Graham sofa and beige carpet provide soft textural touches. The wall console was designed by Apollo Architects and Associates and created for the site by Zousakukagu.
The living room also opens onto a private terrace, concealed within the entrance’s cantilevered form. It serves as a secluded space to take in the sun. Thanks to the sizeable opening between the living room and terrace, it brings yet more light into the home. The terrace’s table and chairs are from Ikea.
The living room also opens onto a private terrace, concealed within the entrance’s cantilevered form. It serves as a secluded space to take in the sun. Thanks to the sizeable opening between the living room and terrace, it brings yet more light into the home. The terrace’s table and chairs are from Ikea.