Most transparent house

The world’s most transparent home is the extraordinary "House NA" (2011) in Tokyo, Japan, where 59% of the total above-ground surface area (roof and walls) is made of glass or other transparent materials. Only the kitchen and bathroom have built-in fixtures, while the sparse furnishings make the residence feel even more transparent from the inside. The owners – a young professional couple – are clearly not worried about what their neighbours might say or see. The total living area is spread over 21 separate birch wood floor plates at different levels, and measuring a total 84.91 m² (914 ft²) – about the size of a large conventional 2–3-bedroom apartment. Steps and floors can double-up as sitting and working area. The steel-framed home was designed by architects Sou Fujimoto so that the "rooms" are conceptually like varied branches of a large tree. Air conditioning, heating and plumbing, as well as storage and lateral bracing, are located in a north-facing wall at the rear of the house. Additional bracing is provided by bookshelf and lightweight concrete panels set into the side elevations.