River Sea Villa

River Sea Villa

River Sea Villa is an architecturally distinctive residential project located near an estuary in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, exemplifying a harmonious fusion of vernacular architecture and modern design principles. Designed by Junichiro Kawazoe and completed in 2021, this minimalist villa demonstrates exceptional spatial organization through its tripartite layout, comprising an entrance building, guest building, and main building, interconnected by thoughtfully designed courtyards. The architectural composition, spanning 427.07 square meters on a 1356.76-square-meter site, maintains a modest single-story elevation of 3.77 meters to preserve environmental harmony. A defining feature of the villa is its innovative use of local Awaji roof tiles as border tiles, representing a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese architectural elements. The design philosophy emphasizes the fluid relationship between interior and exterior spaces, achieved through a carefully orchestrated pathway that weaves through the buildings and courtyards, creating an intentionally ambiguous boundary between inside and outside. This Silver A' Design Award-winning project in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category showcases exceptional attention to material selection, spatial planning, and environmental integration. The villa's design demonstrates particular sensitivity to its coastal location, with its north-south axis oriented toward the river, while its thoughtful incorporation of local materials and construction techniques creates a unique architectural identity that responds to its specific geographical and cultural context.

architectural minimalism, Japanese contemporary design, coastal villa architecture, vernacular fusion, sustainable residential design, courtyard integration

— Adam Dawson