Pyramid House

Makoto Tanjiri, chief architect of Suppose Design Office, may only be 35, but his primitive design instincts show wisdom beyond his years. At first glance, the stark black pyramid house jutting out from the ground may seem futuristic, but it's quite the opposite: Tanjiri drew inspiration for the home from early Japanese pit dwellings. According to Yatzer.com, pit dwellings were "constructed during the Yayoi period (about 300 BC to 300 AD) and built by digging a circular pit -- or rectangular one with rounded edges fifty or sixty centimeters deep and five to seven meters in diameter, then covering it with a steep thatched roof."

You may be wondering who would request such an odd building? The design was, surprisingly, created for a family of five who wanted something unique. (I'd say mission accomplished!)



The family room, kitchen and living space are actually located a meter below ground level, but receive plenty of light due to ribbon windows installed by Tanjiri. The childrens' bedrooms are located on the second floor where the tip of the pyramid meets to flood the space with light.


I love that although there is a massive amount of concrete, glass and hard surfaces, the space doesn't feel cold or stark. The light gives warmth to the entire home, making it a cozy hideaway from a busy society. Proof that rewards are plenty when you think outside of the box -- literally!