Located in a natural park at the top of a cliff overlooking the eastern coast, the Water/Cherry House by Japanese firm Kengo Kuma Associates reflects the intricate delicacy of its pristine environment in the subtly decisive morphological moves of the structure. The private residence is composed of a series of gabled-roof units tied together by an exterior pathway that holds a strong relationship to a natural water feature. Extremely slender metal frames and walkways coupled with the near absence of primary structure creates the impression of flotation, emphasized by the expansive glass envelope that mirrors the sky and trees as they disappear into the ocean's horizon. Thin wood planks define the underside of the overhanging eaves and the exterior wrap-around terraces, interrupted by the tatami-proportioned single-volume interiors with retractable rice paper walls and patterned ceilings.

ShinkenchikuSha (Youtube)