Japanese architect Kouichi Kimura has completed a concrete house in Shiga, Japan, as a self-contained space that promotes serenity and silence.
The three-bedroom house, which is located between a concrete factory and a highway, has been designed to with minimal views out to reduce noise level inside.
The desire to oppose its surroundings dictated its layout and impenetrable fortress-like appearance.

"The house is built on a busy highway, so windows are few and far between," said Kouichi Kimura, founder of FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects.
"Inside, the concrete exterior protects the inhabitants from noise and the undesirable surroundings."

Tranquil House is arranged around a grand entrance hall which is illuminated through a skylight, reflecting light down two high monolithic walls. The textured slabs, contrasting against the smooth surfaces of the other interior walls, are designed as a gateway to the living room.

Placed between the towering walls, a door opens to the living and dining space. Its dark grey hue is designed to complement the undisguised finish of the bare concrete interior.
Kimura wanted to the temple-like interiors to contradict the material's conventionally hard appearance, making it appear soft and tranquil.
"The concrete is sculpted by light and shadow," he added.

Throughout the house, the studio created varied internal spaces using different ceiling heights and floor levels.
The ceiling height is highest in the main entra...