7 outstanding works of modern architecture to visit in Japan

In the field of architecture, Japan engages in a subtle game more than any other place. The seven architectural works by notable figures such as Kengo Kuma and Tadao Ando demonstrate how the Japanese archipelago's past is being transcended to shape its future.

Here are seven iconic masterpieces that disrupt the boundaries of what is possible, from the rural town of Yusuhara to the capital of Tokyo, representing Japan's architectural innovation. Temples that harness light, museums that thrive underground, and stadiums that blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest are just a few examples of what Japanese architects have achieved.

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Key elements include a local craft processing factory, a woodcuts collection house, and the grave and statue of sculptor Korin Fujimori who the town's design is said to be enshrine.

He has designed six buildings that resemble a large construction set. The town hall is clad with cedar, the museum takes the form of a suspension bridge, and the library is disguised as a forest. Each building reinterpret ancestral Japanese construction techniques to create a city that is unprecedented in the country.

The Church of Light, designed by Tadao Ando in 1989, is a phenomenal example of spiritual architecture that blurs the lines between nature and man-made structures. With its minimalist design and emphasis on light, this sanctum has intrigued architects and designers worldwide. Situated in MODERN LAURI, a residential area in Ikeda, Osaka, the Church of Light is Tadao Ando's reinterpretation of a Japanese architectural style.

A rusty block of concrete in Osaka's suburbs holds a special spiritual significance. The simple, cruciform notch behind the altar transforms natural light into art. The beam of light from the notch cuts through the church's stark interior, the only ornament in this unadorned building, where Tadao Ando shows that a crack in a wall can be more moving than a grand Gothic cathedral. One of the defining works by this influential Japanese architect.

Takasugi-an Teahouse, a work of the Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori, is another expression of his concept of a small teahouse.

In the mountains of Nagano, a tiny teahouse, aptly named Takasugi-an ("a house built too high up"), cleverly defies gravity, nestled six metres above ground on two chestnut trunks. This whimsical creation by Fujimori elegantly combines the traditional Japanese tea ceremony with a creative twist of fantasy. A humble ladder serves as the entrance to this elevated space, which feels like a serene and artistic oasis, reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli-inspired set.

The Chichu Art Museum is a modern museum situated on the northern coast of Naoshima Island in Japan. Tadao Ando is the architect behind this breathtaking structure.

Renowned architect Tadao Ando has challenged the conventional concept of a museum by burying it beneath the earth's surface. Invisble from the outside, the Chichu Art Museum can only be observed from the air. Within this labyrinthine expanse of rugged concrete, strategically positioned shafts of light cast Monet's, Turrell's, and De Maria's works in a captivating display that subtly transforms as the hours progress. A stairway illuminated from above leads to a room where the ever-changing sky interacts with Monet's water lilies. In this space, the building itself becomes a masterpiece, harmoniously blending the celestial, terrestrial, and human-made elements to create a distinctive and immersive sensory experience.

Oita Prefectural Art Museum (2014) - Shigeru Ban Design who focuses on decentralized structure, octagonal and particulate approach

- the exterior corridor reminiscent of traditional Japanese homes - the museum fosters a constant dialogue between the street and the artworks on display. The upper facade is decorated with a trellis evoking local bamboo craftsmanship, adding a touch of refinement to this distinctly modern building.

I couldn't find any information on an entity called "Enoura Observatory (2017)" associated with an individual named "Hiroshi Sugimoto".

He has designed a contemporary temple: a 100-metre gallery that gradually lights up with the summer solstice, while a 70-metre tunnel runs through the mountain to capture the winter sun. On a glass stage floating above the sea, a stone theatre awaits the equinoxes.

Like he had pioneered a dear method that unites the quest of nature with descriptive contexts of a place specific to culture of Japan, focusing basic ground where demolition of old-event opponent leaves footprints set as chosen place for shaping this Japan National Stadium before the Tokyo 2020 Games. Like alive streets with streams and underscores flow side by side.

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Low-budget simple two storey house designs that will inspire you

One of the greatest hurdles homeowners encounter is discovering the perfect design to model their ideal residence after. With numerous styles and floor plans to choose from, deciding on one that meets personal tastes while staying within budget can be a daunting task. Fortunately, low-budget, simple two-story house designs provide a suitable solution, combining functionality with visual appeal.

Two-story homes are a preferred choice for many homeowners, offering sufficient living space and efficient land utilization. Reasonable, low-cost designs often include open floor plans, spacious rooms, and the opportunity for beautiful views from upper levels. Nonetheless, selecting the ideal design can be overwhelming, particularly for those on a limited budget. This article presents a compilation of the most budget-friendly two-story house designs.

Affordable and Simple Two-Storey House Designs

A good two-storey house design achieves a balance between functionality and aesthetics, optimizing space while preserving comfort and a sense of natural flow throughout the home. Key elements comprise:

• A well-designed layout that optimizes navigation between different spaces.
• Plenty of natural light is provided through the thoughtful positioning of windows.
• A visually pleasing exterior that blends in well with its surroundings.

Here are some inspiring small two-storey house designs to help you visualise your ideal home.

1. Two storey cottage

This practical and straightforward house plan is one of the finest budget-friendly 2-storey house designs, especially because it effectively meets the needs of its residents. It has a satisfactory number of bedrooms to accommodate both family members and visitors. Also, the modern facade design showcases the unique character of the homeowners, with a stylish blend of various materials enhancing its appeal.

The design boasts a roomy outdoor area and a covered parking space that combines utility with a minimal footprint expansion. The parking space can be effortlessly enlarged to accommodate two cars or converted into a fully enclosed garage.

Despite its moderate size compared to modern standards, the ground floor features a combined kitchen and living area spanning around 30 square meters. This living space can be transformed from a study into a guest bedroom, thanks to the spacious bathroom with a shower stall and space for a washing machine.

The design features a boiler room, strategically positioned beneath the staircase, which facilitates optimal use of space. The staircase is crafted as a self-contained unit, consisting of a singular structure without spiral turns and a landing for improved accessibility.

On the second floor, there are three complete bedrooms that share a spacious bathroom of similar proportions to the one on the first floor. This bathroom is situated above the first-floor bathroom and furnace, facilitating service pipe distribution and allowing for a common ventilation system.

2. Two-story hillside design

This stunning, two-storey hillside house plan is carefully designed to showcase breathtaking views. The layout is optimized to provide an unobstructed panorama from both floors. The main floor features a spacious primary bedroom, serving as a serene retreat, and offering convenient access to a covered balcony, perfect for taking in the surrounding landscape.

There is a flexible space located on this level. The space advantages from generous natural illumination, thanks to the sliding glass door that connects to the outside.

Upstairs, an L-shaped kitchen flows into a spacious living area with a vaulted ceiling and adjacent breakfast nook, designed to foster interaction among visitors. Guests can seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor spaces by opening the glass door leading to the balcony, thereby taking full advantage of the property's spectacular views.

This home design features a modern, single-story floor plan ideal for those who want a comfortable and easy-to-navigate living space. With a drive-up home, residents can park their vehicle directly in front of the main entrance, making it convenient for daily errands or visitors.

The drive-up modern house plan is intended to make a striking first impression. Characterized by large windows and a stylish exterior, this design creates a welcoming atmosphere right from the driveway. The open-format layout maximizes space, allowing for smooth movement between the living, dining, and kitchen areas.

This contemporary dwelling design is one of the most affordable modern house designs with a second floor and generous storage space options. It features double driveways at both the front and rear, with one garage accommodating two vehicles at once. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by a formal entryway that leads to a storage room equipped with built-in shelving at the end of the corridor.

The main living area is located on the upper floor. It receives abundant natural light thanks to the numerous glass doors and windows. The open-plan design is particularly well-suited for entertaining, especially during the warmer summer months when the glass doors can be slid open to access the spacious balcony.

The kitchen is designed with high efficiency in mind. It enables homeowners to easily prepare meals while their guests socialize, and it also features a built-in bar area.

4. Attic home design

This attic-style home design is appealing for its ingenious architectural planning methods. The exterior boasts a bark finish, although this is a matter of personal choice. The versatile design enables you to pick the construction and finishing materials that suit you best. The lower walls in the attic permit the maximum use of the roof space, consequently minimizing construction costs per square meter.

The flat surface above fully equipped with insulation works as an efficient layer to protect the living space. "There is a fireplace in the living room which creates a cozy and charming environment, especially near the dining area." The first-floor bedroom can serve as a study, a room for playing games, or a space for watching entertainment.

The open-plan outdoor space allows for pleasant evenings spent barbecuing with friends. Its dimensions can be tailored to meet specific needs without being dictated by the design parameters. It is suggested to add a canopy or trellis to protect the outdoor area from direct sunlight.

The compact garage is well-suited for most vehicles, providing protection from the weather. Nearby, a utility room is available for storing car accessories.

Located on the second floor, a short stairway leads to a small corridor giving access to the bedrooms and the bathroom. Above the technical space is a bathroom and laundry facility that uses hot water efficiently. The master bedroom is quite large and features a balcony overlooking the bay window on the first floor.

5. Simple two-storey farmhouse

This farmhouse design has an appealing exterior and a straightforward interior design. The entranceway leads into a corridor that opens up to a large living space that is connected to the kitchen. A wood-burning stove in the living space enhances the warm atmosphere.

The kitchen features a built-in eating area, which optimizes available space. A walk-in pantry and access to the covered deck can be found on this level, along with a studio suite.

The most distinctive feature of the farmhouse is the elevated vaulted loft upstairs, offering a spacious full bathroom and a walk-in closet. Three additional attic spaces are available for increased storage capacity.

Is it generally more costly to construct a two-story residence?

Constructing a two-story house typically incurs greater expenses due to factors like the necessity of a stronger foundation, the augmented need for construction materials, and the increased complexity of design and utility systems. The additional costs stem from both structural demands and the extra finishes required for two levels.

Why should you build multi-storey homes?

A two-storey house offers several advantages, including increased living space without needing a bigger lot, enhanced views and natural light, and improved separation between private and public areas. The design makes it possible to incorporate outdoor living features like balconies and decks, and its smaller footprint is suitable for urban settings.

Final word

Low-cost, compact two-storey houses offer a perfect blend of functionality and style for homeowners looking to create their ideal space without overspending. From quaint, welcoming rural homes to modern, beautiful homes in elevated settings, each design in this collection features intelligent floor plans that optimise space, natural light, and comfort. By selecting a design that suits your tastes and budget, you can turn your vision into a reality and enjoy the advantages of a well-designed home.

Kenyan news website .co.ke has also published an article on simple three-bedroom house designs that can be constructed on a limited budget. The article presents a variety of straightforward and affordable three-bedroom house plans that cater to different needs and preferences. Each plan is carefully detailed, including dimensions and layout features, which makes it simpler for prospective homeowners to envision their future living space.

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