The Optical Glass House by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP is a unique residence completed in 2012 in Hiroshima, Japan. This modern house with a glass facade is almost hidden among downtown high-rises, offering a calm refuge in the middle of the city.
Building with a Glass Facade by NAP Architects
The house with a glass facade, by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP, contains a cozy courtyard with a garden and swimming pool and blends harmoniously into Hiroshima’s urban architecture. The striking feature is the facade made from glass blocks. The 8.6-meter by 8.6-meter wall uses about 6,000 square blocks of borosilicate glass, each measuring 50mm x 235mm x 50mm, and weighs about 13 tons. Producing the blocks required great precision. The glass wall protects against wind, views and noise while still admitting light.
Hiroshima city architecture and the glass-block facade
This exclusive house with a glass facade has an open character. The glazed surfaces bring plenty of daylight inside while giving each area views toward the busy street and the courtyard. Although the NAP house stands in a central residential district, the atmosphere feels calm and relaxed. The impressive living room is designed for maximum transparency. It extends across two floors and is constantly flooded with light. Dark tones dominate the rooms, and together with the built-in furniture they emphasize the minimalist interior and give it a special charm.
Glass block wall for privacy
The glass facade weighs 13 tons
An island of peace hidden among tall downtown buildings
Japanese-style courtyard design
Light through the glass creates interesting colors and patterns
Garden privacy screen with excellent transparency
Courtyard with pool
A shaded place to rest
Residence with an open character
Interior design in dark tones
Minimalist interior design in Japan
Wood panels add warmth
Constructed wood wall
Room with garden view
Classic white bathroom
Casting the glass facade elements
Installing the glass blocks
Taus Kishiev
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
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