Azuma House by Tadao Ando

Azuma House by Tadao Ando, completed in 1976, is a landmark of visionary architecture—a minimalist sanctuary carved from concrete in the heart of Osaka. Designed by Ando, an autodidact who taught himself architecture, the house is renowned for its bold, uncompromising design. It turns away from the busy street to embrace a private open-air courtyard, bathing the interior in natural light and fostering contemplation. By requiring residents to cross the open courtyard to move between spaces, Ando reconnected urban living with nature and the rhythm of the seasons. This radical approach to space, light, and inner retreat not only launched Ando’s international career but continues to inspire architects worldwide as a powerful example of how a home can nurture clarity, tranquility, and personal renewal.