
Despite the rounded walls, this quirky home in Japan is the epitome of cutting-edge. Designed by Ryoko & Keisuke Masuda, the three-story single-family residence is a cylinder both inside and out.

The structure of this unique home is built almost entirely out of wood panels and metal. While the exterior wood gives the house a likeness to an old-fashioned water tower, the same material on the interior brings grace, light and a classic expression.

Lending even more character is the appearance that one half of the cylinder is slightly offset, elevated a few feet and extending into the air above the grounded half. This design feature creates a small covered area that could easily be converted into a deck or other outdoor living space.

Round surfaces can be difficult to finish and furnish, but the curved paneling seems to fit snugly on the interior, and the built-in features are an amazing culmination of space-saving utilitarianism and creative expression.

The fact that the interior seems to be flooded with light is a bit of an enigma, since there are so few windows in the home. What is apparent is a large, keyhole-like cut-out down one side of the exterior, exposing a slice of the inner sanctum and exposed floor trusses.

Although not in plain sight, the upper floor, which is only a hemispheric cross-section, has a bank of windows across its flat side and an elevated rooftop patio.

This design is truly unique, enhanced by the fact that it’s such a compact house with absolutely no wasted space.

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