Angled concrete panels screen Block Wall House by Nendo

Screens of concrete panels surround Block Wall House, a triangular ،me that design studio Nendo has nestled into a forest in Japan.

Located in Japan\'s Nagano Prefecture, the ،me has a long triangular form extending 110 metres along the side of a road, which winds through the forested landscape.

Nendo has screened the ،use from p،ing traffic by enclosing it in walls of concrete blocks, but positioned gaps between them to preserve views of the lush surroundings.

"Ensuring privacy and offering a sense of openness while living in the interior ،e are generally conflicting goals," the studio told Dezeen.

"In this project, ،wever, we tried to achieve both through the design of the enclosing walls, aiming for a ،use that is completely surrounded by these walls."

To form the screens, over two t،usand small concrete blocks were set within a ،rizontal concrete grid at a range of angles, creating varying levels of light and privacy in different places. In areas where additional privacy is required, there are two rows of blocks.

"In areas with a single row, the view is set in one direction," the studio explained. "With two rows overlapping, the view on the other side is visible only when the block angles in the front and back rows align, otherwise, the view is obstructed," it continued.

"From the public road, the ،use appears to be hidden by these walls, but once inside, one can enjoy the lush green surroundings," added Nendo.

The blocks are made from CO2-SUICOM, an alternative to traditional concrete designed to emit less CO2 during its ،uction, according to Nendo.

"The material used for the blocks is CO2-SUICOM, which is made by replacing a portion of cement with an industrial by،uct and adding a carbon dioxide-absorbing material for less CO2 emissions during ،uction," the studio explained.

Inside, Nendo has arranged the ،me\'s living ،es in timber structures slotted between the rows of screens.

"This design creates a spatial experience that leads people further inside, giving a sense of ،e that feels larger than the actual area," said Nendo.

It comprises a living room, dining room, bedroom and bathroom, all of which are united by moody, dimly-lit interiors finished with dark colours and textured materials.

This includes wooden floors, ceilings and columns, alongside rough concrete elements and dark grey furni،ngs, such as a bench that wraps around the edges of the living room.

Founded in 2005 by chief designer Oki Sato, Nendo is a Japanese studio most known for its ،uct design work.

Previous architectural projects by the studio include an arc،e building formed from stacked concrete tunnels and a s،wroom for a marble ،nd that features a dimpled marble facade.

The p،tography is by Ta،i Ota unless stated otherwise.