Image Credit: Makoto Yoshida & ArchDaily

A cold, bleak, dust-grey box sits among homes; its sullen windows allow for mere illumination, not warmth; its harsh, austere lines reminiscent of war bunkers.

This really makes you reconsider what is, and what isn't a home. While minimalism can take on a certain spiritual aspect to it, there is hardly anything spiritual or inspiring about this space, rather, it seems almost perfectly conceivable that the couple residing in this box are sadomasochists.

I'm perfectly aware that the Japanese hold minimalism, as well as the use of concrete (Ando) with high regard. But it strikes me that the owners commissioned this house as a space for self-mortification or self-imprisonment. Its possibly an act of penance. This house is not a home - just look at the entrance, the lack of any plants are an indictment of this house's lifelessness.

Without doubt, the concrete work is beautiful - the raw textures are simply mesmerizing, and the architect most certainly met the brief of crafting a residence that "use[d] of concrete for every part of the house including floor, wall, tables etc."

Compare this to what you see below:

Image Credit: ArchDaily

Is that not a marked improvement in terms of livability?

P.S. This post seems a tad excessive a post for just a mere house, right?
I'm just appalled that someone would want to live in such an environment.