The clients of the Engawa Residence and I enjoyed an in-depth conversation about the expressive possibilities of architecture and engaged in rich collaborations with other designers, craftspeople, artists, and builders. At the outset of our conversations, the clients asked that the design acknowledge in some way principles of Japanese architecture. For me, the essence of Japanese domestic architecture is epitomized by the space called the engawa: the sun-filled edge of a dwelling that connects house to garden, inside to outside, from to spirit. This idea is most directly expressed in the glassy openness of the lake side of this home.