On Awaji Island, Japan, 1110 Office for Architecture has crafted Necklace Villa, a rental home designed to foster seamless coexistence between humans and their canine companions. Its unique **looped, stepped design**—inspired by a necklace—creates a sheltered oasis that blends privacy, nature, and playful freedom for pets.
A Sanctuary Amid Rapid Development:-
Awaji Island is transforming, with new developments lending it a “theme park-like” vibe. In response, the architects prioritized **enduring natural elements**—sky, greenery, and sea—while blocking views of roads and neighboring houses. The result? A tranquil, inward-focused home where residents and dogs live undisturbed.
Architecture for Two Species:-
– Stepped Ring Layout: Two L-shaped volumes descend with the terrain, framing a central courtyard. A wooden walkway loops around it, serving as a semi-outdoor dog run with dedicated entry points for pets.
– Wall-Free Harmony: Minimal walls divide spaces. Instead, raised floors and staggered windows mute road noise, preventing dogs from barking at passing cars. Private areas (bedrooms, bathrooms) are subtly enclosed, while living zones flow openly, letting dogs roam freely.
– Natural Materials: Pale cedar interiors contrast with rusty steel exteriors, chosen to withstand coastal winds and echo traditional tiled roofs.
A Deconstructed Courtyard House:-
“By adjusting room scales, we reimagined the classic courtyard home—closed to the outside, open within,” said architect Hiroto Kawaguchi. The stepped design ensures humans and dogs share space without barriers, merging practicality with poetic design.
Necklace Villa isn’t just a holiday home—it’s a blueprint for harmonious living, where architecture adapts to both landscape and lifestyle.
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Note: This article has been reviewed and edited by the archup editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality
