Page 14 - DR•I 4.7

: : QUIZ : : What is this?
Here's the choices:
Garage Dental clinic Car wash Office building House
Circus tent
Maybe this will help. . . . .
Located in the Kanto region of Japan, the Ortho House is a modern family home in the suburbs.
The monolithic structure is comprised of two board- formed concrete volumes. Its interior is accessed through a subterranean garage where an elevator leads to the main level. Featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing, the interior is both visually and physically linked to a courtyard and a garden terrace. Each room expands to these external areas allowing inhabitants to enjoy the outdoors and still maintain privacy. While the interior mimics the facade with exposed concrete and muted tones, a coffered ceiling with wood inserts adds a subtly warmth to the living spaces.
Okay - here's the deal - IMHO this is a wonderful architectural statement, albeit I am unconvinced that the exterior shell couldn't do with some concession to material sensitivity - say, a slash of deep walnut banding. Just something to un-sterilize it.
The architects displayed a deft hand in the definition of the volumes and the spaces....the visual conversation is rich with harmonious balance, simpatico finishes. It's a wonderful design.
The next photograph is the Living Room, and although my opinion doesn't really change, there is one element that disturbs me. Were I the designer or the architect I would have argued for a change, a concession. I'm referring to the coffered ceiling design. Yes, it's a beautiful treatment - but again, IMHO, it is excessive in its intrusion into the visual language that otherwise composites this space.
Oops - maybe not. . . . . well, this will