Pagoda 120

Pagoda — a Conceptual Japanese Pavilion

When European architecture becomes over familiar, the gaze inevitably turns toward the East. The Pagoda project was designed by renowned Italian architect Fabiano Vidussi.

Pagoda is a contemporary pavilion inspired by Japanese aesthetics, based on traditional Eastern architectural principles, carefully adapted to a hilly landscape.

The project draws inspiration from Kyoto’s pavilions—most famed Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) with its three-level composition and symbolic architecture.

Architectural Structure

The project consists of four levels:

The lowest floor is embedded into the terrain, there are all technical and engineering spaces, fully separated from the living areas. This solution preserves visual purity and shields the residential zones from unnecessary noise.

On the main level there are entrance area, spacious living room, kitchen, dining area, and exits to terraces. The facades have panoramic glazing, oriented toward the most scenic views of the hillside.

A key element of this level is the water flow, created as an integral part of the architectural concept: a creek running alongside the house and a small waterfall embedded into the natural change in elevation. Water acts as a “line of movement,” guiding visitors from the entrance through the terraces into the garden.

On the second level there are bedrooms and private terraces with open views. This level has a calm, introspective atmosphere with controlled natural light and smooth transitions between zones.

The top level is an open platform designed for enjoyment of the surrounding landscape. It serves as a contemporary interpretation of the upper level of a pagoda—a true viewing point from which the entire site is seen.

Special attention is given to the roof structure, designed according to traditional Japanese pavilion principles: a flat base combined with expressive overhangs and pitched elements. This composition provides effective protection from the environment while shaping the building’s distinctive silhouette.

Continuing the Pagoda Philosophy

Pagoda is a fully realized architectural concept, conceived as a unique and autonomous idea. We possess a complete set of original drawings and a deep understanding of the spatial logic behind this design, enabling us to further develop this approach and create new projects based on its principles.

If you like the aesthetics of Japanese pavilions, pure geometry, calm spaces, and the seamless integration of architecture into the natural environment, we can offer our own interpretation of this philosophy.

For your site, we will design a project with a similar structure, and poetic expression—carefully adapted to the specific terrain, lighting conditions, and functional requirements.