In a private and remote property in Japan's Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, sits a striking single-storey sanctuary designed by Matsuyama Architects and Associates. The residence is a tale of two sides.

The front-facing side to the street is one that speaks of pure minimalism with a large expansive concrete facade. There is no-nonsense about the architecture; just a simple and serene geometric entrance to the building with a light scattering of plants to make it feel a little more welcoming. As you enter the residence and make your way through the long stretches of concrete walls and wooden floors, you reach the other side where you're met with large floor-to-ceiling windows in the living space and the master bedroom that guide your eyes to spectacular views of the sea beyond.

At the rear of the building there is a small and tidy garden area with a patio that appears as a seamless extension to the house, where you can sit and relax without a care in the world. Although the highlight of this weekend house is undoubtedly the bathroom view to be experienced during a sunset. Now that is bliss.