SATOSHI OKADA
ARCHITECTS

Built in the middle of the forest, Villa U/k frames a splendid panorama into the landscape without distraction from the public road running below. The elongated building is entirely glassed, cantilevered out of the sloping terrain to the south to curate as wide of a view as possible. The floor plan further accommodates the views of the environment: general facilities of the building are pushed to the depth of the hill, allowing for the living spaces to line the ornate terrace and landscaped garden.

The interior space is finished by bright timber ceilings, beige plastered walls kneaded with powdered gilt, gray granite floor-panels, and exquisitely-crafted wooden fittings. The exposed board-form concrete ? 50 mm horizontal stripes made possible by custom timber formwork ? emulates the complexity of wooden construction. Volcanic stones excavated during the construction are employed for the retaining walls along the approach towards the mountain slope.