Gwenael Nicolas has created a modern fisherman's house, iconic in appearance but modest in scale, in the stunning natural setting of Wakayama, one of Kansai's leading resorts.

It is located on the coast of Nanki-Shirahama, which is also a national park. Situated on a rugged rocky coast reminiscent of the Atlantic Ocean, where Nicolas was born, the house has been carefully designed in collaboration with Haretoke Architects. It confronts nature while accepting its challenge.

The linear, single-storey house is designed so that the height of the building almost coincides with the ocean horizon, so as not to overwhelm nature. The character of the house is created by the unique shape of the wing-like roof, which is designed to withstand the extreme winds as the house faces the ocean. 

The wooden house sits delicately on a concrete foundation that lifts it above the rocks. In the event of a storm, the large waves spread under the concrete pillars of the house. The dark colour of the house blends in with the natural surroundings and the dark stone of the reef.The extended roof also provides shade on the side of the terraces. It is reminiscent of vernacular architecture revisited as a sculptural object reduced to the minimum form. The house is sheltered and covered with a single material: Yakisugi, burnt cider wood, the ideal surface material for such an extreme location.

The highlight of the house is the 180-degree ocean views. The terrace is so large that it feels as if it was built directly on the sea, and it flows seamlessly into the living room. To emphasize the continuity between indoors and outdoors, the same floor finish is used throughout the house.