House in Miyamoto by Tato Architects
Multi-level Living
Most people see Japan as the land of minimalist living, but this unusual house by Yo Shimada at Tato Architects may well be more in tune with the messy reality of modern family life.
Externally, this house in the Miyamoto area of Osaka looks like a unadorned blank box hemmed in by other buildings, but the interior is anything but conventional. The architect's brief was to create a home for a couple and their child which maximises space with as much openness as possible. Instead of a typical two-floor multi-room layout, the architect eschewed all internal walls and ceilings and built 13 suspended "floors" on 7 levels instead. These (mostly triangular) floors are connected to each other with open steps arranged around two spirals, creating a dynamic flow through the house. As a result almost everything is in clear view, although the sight-lines are cleverly arranged to provide some privacy for the main bedroom and bathroom.
Once the family has moved in the house takes on a totally different character, the clutter of their daily lives laid out in a voyeuristic narrative for all see. Whilst this arrangement may not be to everyone's taste, it is perhaps an interesting parallel to modern life with the emphasis on social networks and scant regard for privacy.
Links
Tato ArchitectsShop the Style
Product Inspiration
Put all your prized belongings on show with the Robox bookshelf from Casamania, the Assemblage bookshelf from Seletti and the Valet Office Shelf from Stellar Works. 
Simple, sculptural suspension lights such as the Sliced Sphere suspension light from Frederik Roije would look great in the open voids of the Miyamoto house. Alternatively low level lights such as the Read Noon floor light from Zeitraum and the Lantern table lamp from New Works would work well too.
Maximise storage with accessories such as the Treasure table from Frederik Roije, the Box trolley from Bordbar and the Dama stackable containers from Incipit.
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Japanese zen style goes far beyond minimalist white spaces. It is about thoughtful spaces which encourage the contemplation of light, colours, textures and shapes - the building blocks of nature and beauty. The Shutter House in Perth is a great example.
Terrazzo Things from Lick My Brick
There was a time when the use of marble was largely restricted to floors, posh kitchen counters and grave statutes. And then, at some point around the mid-noughties, marble was everywhere. Could the same be happening to terrazzo?