M4

The Saruta residence in Nagano prefecture situated on land overlooking Matsumoto Castle and Matsumotodaira was especially designed for Hitoshi Saruta’s mother. The home was designed with memories of Matsumoto where Hitoshi Saruta spent his childhood. The key to always finding new discoveries in the color of the sky, the movement of the clouds, and the different faces of the mountainside depend upon how the walls are structured.

What appears to be random openings in various sizes, depths, finishes, shapes and heights throughout the house are windows in which the scenery can be enjoyed in different settings either by walking through or sitting in the rooms.

The bay windows frame the scenery in more definitive lines, and at the same present an impressive exterior, as well as to enhance the volume of the shadows indoors. The land is flat and curves slightly on the north side, enabling a view of Matsumotodaira from anywhere in the house. The road side is closed to secure privacy, but the landscape side is completely open for natural light to filter throughout the whole house. The natural light from the window gives a strong contrast to the shadows within the house. A separate building for a music room was also built on the premises, installed with two pianos. The minimalistic interior uses the Japanese ‘kaburatsuka’ wood structure for the ceiling. This style is a traditional Japanese design matching well with the image of Matsumoto. The angles in the ceiling of the wood structure create a room that is exclusively unique. The expression of the interior design structure is both free spirited and bold.

2019 The Plan Award shortlisted, Italy
2019 Nagano Prefecture Architecture and Culture Award, Japan