All architecture is a dance between the public and the private. The things we choose to show and the things we keep to ourselves – usually quite telling. Among the small streets of Osaka, the things that happen at street level are usually for the public’s interest, thus the public’s business. Jonoya with Masakazu Tsujibayashi it creates a rich inner world, one that remains relatively hidden, an oasis amidst dense urban sprawl.
Inside, the interiors are bathed in warm wood, an ode to the natural undulations and growth patterns nature guesses. The large skylights add a beautiful glow to the wood, capturing the confluence of chatoyance and sun. The wooden floors maintain the feeling of superiority on the top floors, a treehouse that somehow exists within the trunk.
Corners that would otherwise be quite inaccessible become points of visual interest – windows are located close to the floor, with a generous skylight directly above. A whimsical and delightful twist on traditional placement is carried throughout the home, providing more opportunities for a change of perspective throughout everyday life. This philosophy could go far beyond the built environment, to introduce new ways of thinking into far corners of the mind. Storage spaces abound on the top floors, offering a density of knowledge and reflection, a library of life.
This grand staircase is the pivot on which Jonoya House turns – bathed in light and accented by an almost fully mirrored wall, the staircase echoes the simplicity and clear craftsmanship that runs throughout the project. Woodwork is visible and prominent, a nod to the ancient technologies that enabled the brilliant architecture.
Generous curves keep the interiors warm and approachable in a more technical design language. A long table signals an invitation to hospitality, an easy possibility when there is room for everyone.
The plain facade belies the depth of interiority below, light and privacy two central tenets of the design. With no waist-high window and many corners below a traditional right angle, Jonoya House offers a new space for creating and working, but most importantly, relaxing and living.
To learn more about Jonoya House and the work of Masakazu Tsujibayashi, visit instagram.com.
Photo by Yosuke Ohtake.
