design statements

Mountain Home at Gokayama

Unit 3 and 4 Visual Communication Design
SAT Folio and final presentations

My client, Aden Hassim, is a 56-year-old retiree seeking peace and simplicity after a demanding finance career. He has tasked me with designing a minimalist mountain home in Gokayama, Japan, using locally sourced materials. The home should blend into its surroundings while offering comfort and connection to nature.

Communication Need 1: The design of a minimalist, single-storey mountain home that responds to its environment through form, materials, and orientation. The house will feature a large south-facing window to maximise sunlight and multiple smaller windows to invite natural light while protecting from harsh weather.

Communication Need 2: A surrounding landscape that enhances the home’s tranquility and connection to nature. The design will include open green spaces, a rock pool, a fire pit, and a zen garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere that complements the house’s simplicity.