Lakeside house, Matsue, Japan

New-build single-family home at an exposed location

This timber frame house with an open-jointed cladding facade was built right on the shores of Lake Shinji on Japan’s main Honshū island. It was custom-designed for a retired couple and offers stunning views of the picturesque lake.

Lake Shinji is separated from the Sea of Japan by a thin strip of hilly land that is only a few kilometres wide, which means that harsh weather conditions prevail here that are particularly demanding for building materials. In addition, the lake is connected to the sea through Nakaumi Lagoon and thus contains brackish water, and the salty water is also challenging for materials that are exposed to the elements.

The SOLITEX FRONTA QUATTRO connect housewrap membrane from pro clima was installed behind the grey open-jointed cladding and protects the underlying structure against these weather conditions. This membrane prevents the flow of cold external air close to the surface of rear-ventilated structures and ensures that the thermal insulation works in an optimal manner. The SOLITEX MENTO 3000 connect roofing underlay membrane performs a similar function on the roof structure.

Building type: Single-storey detached house
Completion: December 2020
Location: Matsue city, at Lake Shinji, Shimane Prefecture
Planning and construction: Izumoya Style, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture

External views of the finished house: the SOLITEX FRONTA QUATTRO connect weather-resistive barrier membrane was fitted installed behind the open-jointed cladding.

Impressions of the construction work

SOLITEX MENTO 3000 connect was chosen as the roofing underlay membrane underneath the roof tiles. This membrane protects the underlying structure and insulation against the elements, while also allowing this structure to dry out thanks to the membrane’s diffusion-open characteristics.

View from the rooftop showing just how close to the shore the house is situated

Timber frame construction with hard gypsum load-bearing board on the outside, which provides excellent fire and earthquake resistance

Entrance area: The SOLITEX FRONTA QUATTRO connect housewrap membrane has already been installed on the walls. The membrane overlaps have been taped using the black TESCON INVIS adhesive tape, which is specifically designed to blend in with the black membrane and remain inconspicuous behind the open-jointed cladding.