Wall House, Shizuoka, Japan

An extraordinary commission to design for one of Japan’s most revered designers has resulted in an extraordinary house. In a country with an ancient tradition of exquisite refined landscapes and architecture, it is perhaps surprising that an Australian architect would be asked to add to that culture. The Wall House doesn’t disappoint. Rather than enclose or frame the landscape, the house becomes part of it, with large timber sliding doors opening to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

The structure becomes a wall between street and garden, creating a place of tranquillity and contemplation. An elegant frame structure extends well beyond the house, supporting the sliding doors and slatted screens, and emphasizing the range of screening, filtering options. The gently warping twisted shingled roof, the ordered plan, the simple palette of timber and stone, the calm of water and the restrained, consistent detailing combine to produce a house of rare beauty and serenity.

Australia’s growing international reputation for unique residential architecture that relates to landscape is further enhanced by this simple, elegant house that beautifully demonstrates the richness of cultural fusion.

– Jury citation