Nestled within lush greenery, block-wall house is a unique private residence in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan designed by nendo, a Tokyo-based design studio led by Oki Sato. The property, characterized by its unusual triangular shape stretching 110 meters along the road, posed a significant design challenge: how to ensure privacy from nearby traffic and pedestrians while fully embracing the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The innovative solution was the creation of concrete block walls that serve as both screens and aesthetic elements. These walls are composed of blocks meticulously arranged to manipulate the line of sight. By adjusting the angles of each block, the designers created a dynamic visual experience. In sections where a single row of blocks is used, views are directed in a specific orientation. In contrast, where two rows overlap, visibility through the blocks is only possible when the angles align perfectly. Otherwise, the view is obstructed, providing privacy. Photo: Masahiro Ohgami
A notable aspect of this project is the use of ?CO2-SUICOM,” or CO2-Storage and Utilization for Infrastructure by COncrete Material, blocks which are an eco-friendly material that reduces carbon emissions. This material replaces a portion of the cement with an industrial byproduct and includes a carbon dioxide-absorbing component, resulting in a greener production process. For the block-wall house, approximately 2,050 blocks, each strategically angled, form five walls, e...