Normally, one of the main functions of a house is to keep the elements out. But this family house in Japan has a large, hollowed-out chimney that gathers rainwater, light and fresh air into a glass-encased room to let the elements in. Architect Masaki Yoneda designed the house for a family of three who wanted to have a bit of the outside environment present in their living space.

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The house, dubbed the “Puddle”, is located in a densely populated area of Matsusaka City in Japan’s Mie prefecture. The large opening in its roof surface extends down into the living area and forms a small room where a puddle of rainwater brings the residents closer to nature. It shrinks and grows depending on the amount of rainfall, constantly changing with the weather.

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The chimney also brings natural lightinto the interior and enables natural ventilation. The design was inspired by artist James Turrell, and creates a similar effect of spatial immersion. It brings the great outdoors indoors for a lifestyle more in-tune with nature.

+ Masaki Yoneda

Via Spoon & Tamago

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