Kubota Architect Atelier's 'ho-house' in Japan combines white concrete + frosted glass

Located on a small hill in Japan’s Takarazuka city, ‘ho-house’ by Kubota Architect Atelier combines sharp white concrete and frosted glass in its construction.

The residence is largely closed off on the street side, while an open-air private courtyard enclosed in the center of the plot brings natural light and air inside. The rooms facing the courtyard are clad in floor-to-ceiling glass in most parts, creating a continuous flow between inside and outside.

Kubota Architect Atelier has created three parking spots on the street side of the building, equipped with three electric vehicle charging facilities. As such, the front façade remains largely closed off from the surroundings, ensuring enough privacy for its residents. At the same time, the open courtyard in the middle of the plot allows the core of the house to remain open to nature and the elements through a series of floor-to-ceiling openings.

The architecture of the house is characterized by a sharp white concrete slab that can withstand earthquakes, typhoons and fires. Inside, rooms are characterized by minimal aesthetics and a muted material palette that contribute to the residents’ peaceful daily lives. Clear and frosted glass alternate in different parts of the building, blurring the boundaries between different interior areas and the outside.

Project info:

Name: ho-house

Architect: Kubota Architect Atelier

Location: Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

Site area: 306.99 sqm / 93 tsubo

Total floor area: 217.42 sqm / 65 tsubo