Inside a Wabi-Sabi Surf Shack in Japan, Humble Materials Edition
Photography by Koichi Torimura, courtesy of No. 555.
Commissioned to design a house for a young family—a couple who like to surf every morning before getting down to work—architect Takaya Tsuchida and his team at No. 555 made use of tarps, wood-cement insulation blocks, and other unexpected materials.
Custom PVC tarps with window-like openings partially shelter the courtyard from the elements.
The house is approximately 1,524 square feet and divided into two volumes: one for living, shown here, the other for sleeping, positioned on either side of the courtyard.
All-stainless components, including storage cabinets, lend the kitchen a cohesive look.
Sliding glass doors open the living area to the courtyard and bedroom wing.
A simple, industrial stair of steel and larch plywood leads to the open second floor.
The space is used as a home office.
Located next to the kitchen, the family’s lone bathroom is long and narrow.
The main entry is positioned at the back of the courtyard.