House of Water is a celebration of the diverse ecosystem and heavy-rainfall climate of Yakushima Island, where architecture embraces and welcomes water and vegetation in all its varying forms. This is expressed through a central aquatic garden courtyard, which also collects rainwater for filtration and re-use throughout the private residence.

One’s connection with water is further enhanced through strategically positioned reflection pools, swimming pool and the suite of temperature baths, along with the aquatic garden, creating a continuous water link with the site’s existing ponds and streams, to anchor and integrate the architecture’s low-height and gable roof with the site’s surroundings and sensibility towards the climate.

The materiality chosen promotes breathability and durability for heavy rainfall and humidity conditions, such as Yakushima cedar wood, stone, timber shingles, ceramic roof tiles, and steel beams for longer spans, to open one’s view towards the rain, sky, trees and ground.