Precedents

I wanted to investigate transparent spaces because having this 'see through' element has several benefits. Primarily, they help in filtering air, sunlight, and heat. Without windows, the rooms would be a lot more dingy. They are also a way of opening up a space to create an efficient indoor/outdoor flow. These transparent spaces below use different materials and have completely diverse methods and layouts, but they all allow for sufficient ventilation and heating in the space.

White Chapel (2006)

http://www.aokijun.com/en/works/058/

Aoki Jun and associates designed White Chapel within the site of Hyatt Regency Osaka. It is used for wedding ceremonies and accommodates 80 people. The structure consists of square steel rings 60cm in diameter, with sides of 25mm, which are interlocked three-dimensionally. One virtual unit is a 3D truncated tetrahedron, and the combined units fill up the space. The three-dimensional layout of the ring corresponds to the array of the circle, inscribed in the 4 regular hexagons within the unit. Steel rings are welded together, forming a foam-like three-dimensional grid which is mainly occupied by voids. This not only supports the roof but is also used to assist the glass exterior as MPG System. Inside the grid, a double-layered woven screen of white organdy is hung.

Jun Aoki House (2011)

http://www.archdaily.com/tag/shigeru-ban-architects/

Jun Aoki House at Hanegi Park was also designed by Shigeru Ban Architects. The short video tours viewers through this intimate and minimalist home, revealing the nuances and features of the design. The house has a number of unique features, the most prominent of which is the semi-arched roof vault on the second level, which also gives a penetrating view through the length of the house. The openness of the architecture is emphasised by the austerity of the material choices. Stark white walls are set against the lush trees and vegetation of Hangei Park, highlighting the contrast between the natural and man-made.

Link to video 

http://vimeo.com/50284298

Curtain Wall House (1995)

http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Curtain_Wall_House

The Curtain Wall House is designed by Shigeru Ban and combines contemporary materials in new interpretations of traditional Japanese styles.

Concept

In architecture, curtain wall is called an outer skin covering the building without serving a structural function, as this skin is hung from the slabs bearing.The curtain is an architectural element linked to traditional Japanese design elements such as shoji screens and sudare, or common Fusuma doors in traditional Japanese house. They are a simple, architectural and artistic work for ventilation, which are aesthetically seductive and poetically expressing natural air flow. The interior and exterior may merge into one space like the people creating some experiences within the habitat, very difficult to achieve within a city and even more so in a city as large and populous as in the case of the Japanese capital.

Spaces

The main program of the house is placed against the inside corner of the field and develops in ground floor and two upper floors. The residence contains no ornamentation, making a sharp contrast with the colours of adjacent buildings. This core is removed from the perimeter built terrain leading to a large covered terrace space split-level extending into the street creating sense of space, something difficult to experience in the bustling city of Tokyo. Behind the curtain several sliding glass walls create a private and secluded inside, ensuring air tightness, water and some soundproofing.

- Ground Floor: The ground floor has been left open, assigned to the public space of the street and the house serves as a car park.

- First and second floor: The indoor environment is controlled by opening and closing the large drapes. In winter the insulation is supported by a set of glass doors. On the first floor are the elements of service and day areas open to the terrace, while the upper rooms are reserved.