Metal-clad house in Japan by Eto Kenta conceals its garden
Japanese architect Eto Kenta has hidden a narrow garden behind the metal-clad exterior of this house in Ōita Prefecture, Japan (+ slideshow).
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_2.jpg)
The two-storey house is situated on the border between a residential neighbourhood and a grassy plain, so Eto Kenta designed a building that is closed at the front and open at the back, and named it Cave.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_16.jpg)
To the street, the building presents a wall with only two openings – a large high-level window allowing light to permeate the garden tucked behind and a doorway leading to the entrance. In this way, the facade protects the interior from prying eyes.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_3.jpg)
The narrow garden sits directly behind the wall, ahead of a large room that functions as a living space and kitchen for the family.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_7.jpg)
"Raising a large opening on the south side allows lighting and ventilation into the house, but also ensures privacy from the neighbouring houses," said Kenta.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_5.jpg)
Sliding walls allow the living room to open out to the secluded garden. These are mirrored by a row of rear windows that slide back to reveal the interior to the field beyond.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_9.jpg)
"By operating the opening and closing in relation to the outer and inner space, we create both open and private places," said Kenta.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_13.jpg)
A lightweight steel staircase leads up to the first floor, where three rooms sit alongside one another to create a series of bedrooms.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_14.jpg)
Two of these bedrooms feature windows overlooking the garden, while the third opens out to a patio contained behind the walls.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_15.jpg)
A second patio is located at the back and a small study provides residents with a quiet workspace facing out over the fields.
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_20.gif)
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_19.gif)
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_17.gif)
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_18.gif)
![Cave by Eto Kenta Atelier Architects in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/04/Cave-by-Eto-Kenta-Atelier-Architects_dezeen_21.gif)