Modern design classic for an extraordinary artist house in Japan
In the
bathroom, the elegant design of the Duravit Vero washbasin blends naturally into
the space.
Photo: Satoshi Takae
Designed in the studio style
by the architecture studio DOG, the 8.5 House is located on Tokaido Street in
the Japanese coastal town of Ninomiya. The historic street was one of the most
important post and trade routes in ancient Japan, stretching from Edo (now
Tokyo) to Kyoto. When the ukiyo-e artist Hiroshige Utagawa toured Tokaido in
1832, he made a series of woodcuts of the 53 stations there. The 8.5 House is
based on the concept that the owner himself fills the gap between Oiso (8th
station) and Odawara (9th station).
The 8.5 House is
characterized by a steep sloping roof and a diagonal exhibition wall, which
gives it a very sculptural character and also reflects the basic idea of the
design for the 8.5 House: The aim was to create a building that successfully
combines art and living and in which three generations - a painter, his wife,
their child and grandmother - have enough space.
The artist's works are hanging on the exhibition wall that crosses the room.
Photo: Satoshi Takae
In order to meet these
requirements, an exhibition wall was integrated into the room of the house. Using
the maximum length of the diagonal dimension, the exhibition wall displays and
introduces the artist’s work to the city. Together with the steep sloping roof,
the exhibition wall creates wide and narrow angles, as well as high and low
rooms. The bedroom and bathroom continue behind the exhibition wall. In the
bathroom, the elegant design of the Duravit Vero washbasin blends naturally into
the space.
The Vero ceramic series has
been a bestseller in the Duravit range for over a decade: the consistently
rectangular design language is not only extremely elegant, but also durable. In
addition, the shape of the rectangle proves to be favorable for all space
conditions, thanks to numerous dimensions, even in smaller rooms such as guest
bathrooms or toilets. The hand wash basin is available in widths from 25 to 50
cm and in various versions, such as lengthways to the wall, with a fitting positioned
on the side and with a larger inner basin and more storage space.
