On the vicinity of Mt. Rokko, Tato Architects have designed a house which embraces its surroundings, framing and enhancing the views while remaining fully embedded in the urban fabric.

Located in a position with excellent views over the city of Kobe, Japan, Yo Shimada and his team have been very carefully with the place and views, as a result, a house that seeks to produce the minimum impact on the environment in which it is implanted, while the owner becomes a priviledged observer.

The architect minimised the physical impact on the site with the use of a concrete pad on the ground, topped by a delicate two-storey steel structure, which is clad on the upper levels with metal panels, but left exposed with glass panels below. This gives the impression of the house floating on the steep slope, light and slightly precarious but making the most of the awkward site conditions.