Illustrious Japanese architecture firm Atelier Bow Wow recently finished The Beach House in Chiba, Japan, which is comprised of two parts—a vertical wood box to the exterior and a reinforced concrete interior element. While it appears to be a generally open floorplan, it has private bedrooms and a small staircase leading to the living room and social areas. The canopy overhead creates shade from the direct sunlight. There's nothing like enjoying the architecture of a great beach house during the wintertime.
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[via DesignBoom]