Stilt House by NAF Architects

Here is an amazing example of unconventional yet traditional contemporary house architecture. Japanese NAF Architects brilliantly succeeded into merging sensational design moves and traditional patterns in unexpected ways.

The structure is built on a conventional plan until stilts are added, raising the upper stories and creating a space for a full wrap-around deck. Above and below the void in the center, black boxes contrast with the empty interstitial outdoor deck space. A set of spiral staircases pierces through these layers. Also serving as a light well, the opening brings both artificial and daytime light up and down with a great effect.

On the first floor, conventional Japanese sliding doors maintain an open flow between inside and outside. As historical house it does blend in a strange way with its surrounding neighborhood.