Recognizable materials and color solutions often used in Studia 54’s projects can be observed here, even though we’ve done everything to focus on and implement the client’s vision. Studia 54 infused its recognizable style with the basic architectural principles of Japan: austerity, reclusiveness, tranquility, and unity with nature.
The courtyard overlooks the reserved appearance of the house. The finishes are dominated by Kumaru wood in an elegant brown shade, which is diluted with gray concrete inserts. Kumaru is characterized by its weather resistance and exceptional durability. Karesansui, or dry garden of pebbles, in front of the house is a part of the Japanese garden philosophy, in which the landscape is designed in close harmony with nature.
The central part of the house features a double-height kitchen-living room that allows natural light to flow freely into the rooms. Panoramic windows in the other spaces further emphasize this concept and bring the customer closer to the environment. Despite the cold climate and the abundance of glass, the stay at the house will be comfortable even in frosty weather, as we have provided a multi-layer facade insulation system.
A traditional Japanese house can hardly be imagined without a green garden, since it is an essential part of the cultural code: together they form a single entity and complement each other. The courtyard is rich in green plants that organically intertwine with water elements. We integrated elevation differences into the landscape design, thus creating a shallow waterfall that fills the garden with the earth's natural sounds. Client’s wife can take a stroll in the garden or indulge in peaceful meditation in natural surroundings and feel closer to her homeland.
As early as the design phase, we found out that clients are particularly fond of having tea ceremonies, so we included an extension to the house that would serve as a cozy tea house.
Wooden grids in the Japanese architecture create a mild shade on the sunniest days. These sliding partitions add privacy to the lodge and can visually change the facade of the house, allowing for versatility in both warm and cool weather.
A solid fireplace on a rough-hewn mass of rock occupies the central area. It is complemented by a metal lath hood, which makes it safer and more comfortable to be indoors with the fire, even if the frost is raging outside.
A spacious terrace is zoned with a soft sofa group that will fit in a large company. The massive columns add a majestic touch to the interior and create a sense of security.
A wooden grid on the ceiling would let in the sparkling glare of sunlight on a sunny day. Traditional Japanese plants were also used in the decor to maintain the conceptual integrity of the project not only outside but also inside.
From the terrace you can smoothly transition to the pool area, where the sliding panels enable the use of the pool at any time of the year. We’ve provided this element considering that our client lives in a cold climate but still wishes to use the pool independent of the outside temperature.
At the entrance to the luxurious mansion, the guests are greeted by a traditional element of the Japanese architecture in the modern reading. Facade of the house is finished with wood and natural stone that give Satori its reserved and austere look.
The water composition at the entrance is designed in the form of a cascade with traditional lilies. In Japanese culture, this flower symbolizes tranquility and pure beauty, and it’s also a favorite flower of the owner’s wife.
In the project of Satori house, we managed to embody the atmosphere of complete serenity to relax both one's body and soul. It has long been believed in Japanese culture that harmony in the home is formed by the synergy of two elements: “building” (家) and “garden” (庭). The architects of Studia 54 merged them into a single system, where the garden gradually blends into the building and complements it. We fulfilled the client's desire to create the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese house and brought in our recognizable style. That is how Satori came to life – a piece of Japan, hidden from prying eyes with centuries-old trees, enchanting everyone with its laconic beauty.