6,000 Pyrex Bricks Hide a 'Secret Garden' | Optical Glass House

Step inside the Optical Glass House — a stunning architectural masterpiece by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP, hidden in the heart of downtown Hiroshima. This three-story sanctuary features a jaw-dropping translucent façade made of 6,000 optical glass blocks, creating a soundproof barrier between the bustling street and a serene elevated garden.

Behind this 13-ton glass curtain, you'll discover a peaceful interior filled with natural light, tranquil courtyards, and minimalist design. From the reflective glass-bottom skylight that casts dancing water patterns to the lightweight metallic curtain that flows like fabric in the wind, every detail is crafted for silence, privacy, and beauty.

This immersive tour reveals how cutting-edge engineering meets poetic design — a true oasis that redefines urban living.

Credits:

Design: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
Structure Design: Yasushi Moribe
Location: Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima, Japan
Site Area: 243.73 square meters
Total Floor Area: 363.51 sqm
Completion Year: March, 2012
Manufacturers: EQUITONE
Photography: Hiroshi Nakamura / NAP Architects / Koji Fuji / Nacasa & Partners Inc