Mid of the local Japanese residential area in Kyoto, west side of the Royal palace (30 mins walking distance, 10 mins by bike), EXH design has completed a private house together with Anoffice. The developer has splitted a plot into four slices each 4.2 meters by 15 meters. The client got the last piece at the west side which enjoys a grand view to the neat neighborhood and west sunlight.The volume of the building is a result of Kyoto building law -the setback should meet a certain angle for pedestrian to look into the sky.
To "merge" better with the neighbors and stay invisible in the residential area, the building uses exactly the same material like the other houses except the big windows to invite the sunlight and view in. Since in Japan most of the residences have their windows closed, it's rather exciting to watch the street scene while sitting inside the house, the house is wrapped by a life movie which is happening everyday.