Glass house

In the F3 House in Yamato-shi, near Tokyo by architect Koh Kitayama, the living areas and utilities are packed into one long, narrow box and inserted midway into the main structure of a building which on the outside resembles a three story industrial greenhouse made entirely of glass. The central section of the living unit is a kitchen/dining space; sliding screens open out onto the remainder of the triple-height space is for entertainment and play. Overhanging reed screens, or yoshizu, provide shade during summer. On the ground floor is the garage for two cars, the mezzanine above is a grille that serves as the relaxation area, while the top floor is a large deck with garden furniture and parasol.