Small House in Kawasaki / Plan21

Japanese architecture studio Plan 21, led by architect Umihiko Cho, recently completed the "Small House in Kawasaki" project, specifically designed for a retired couple. The house is situated in a residential area of Kawasaki, just outside of Tokyo, and aims to provide a tranquil living space that harmonizes with its green surroundings. The design prioritizes modesty and efficiency, ensuring the structure integrates respectfully into the established neighborhood without an overbearing presence. The building's low profile contributes to this subtle integration, complementing the existing environment. Key design elements of the Small House in Kawasaki include a sloped roof that incorporates a loft area. This loft floor is ingeniously suspended from the ceiling, creating an illusion of floating space. This design choice effectively maximizes the usable area within the modest structure without making it feel cramped or overwhelming. The architectural approach focuses on creating a sense of openness and comfort within a compact footprint. The construction of the house predominantly utilizes natural materials, emphasizing sustainability and a connection to nature. Cypress lumber is a primary material, forming the pillars, beams, and exterior cladding of the home. This choice not only provides a natural aesthetic but also aligns with traditional Japanese building practices. The use of wood contributes to the overall warmth and organic feel of the residence, enhancing its integration with the surrounding greenery. Energy efficiency is a central tenet of the Small House in Kawasaki's design. The roof is equipped with solar heat collector panels, which play a crucial role in the home's heating system. The warm air generated by these panels is channeled and distributed under the floor, providing a sustainable and efficient method for heating the interior. This innovative system significantly reduces reliance on conventional energy sources, thereby minimizing the home's environmental impact. Plan 21's design exemplifies an environmentally conscious approach to residential architecture. By deliberately minimizing the building's footprint and implementing sustainable construction methods, the project underscores the importance of reducing energy consumption and overall environmental impact. The result is a home that is both comfortable and highly efficient, designed to respect its immediate surroundings and contribute positively to future generations through its sustainable features. The project achieved completion in 2022 and has a built area of 97 square meters, with photography by Taku Hata. #JapaneseArchitecture #SmallHouseDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #EnergyEfficiency #WoodConstruction #Kawasaki #Plan21 #UmihikoCho

KIRI architects, based in Tokyo, has designed a compact dwelling featuring a prominent, light-filled stair hall. This unique architectural element occupies one-third of the house's total volume and extends across its entire length. The design strategically positions the living areas to the north, while an open, sunny garden is situated to the south. The glazed and elongated stair hall serves a crucial function in bringing natural light and external views into the interior spaces, which might otherwise be confined and dimly lit. This central feature transforms what could be a compact and potentially dark home into an airy and inviting residence. Within the expansive stair hall, the design team at KIRI architects has incorporated various spaces intended for lingering and relaxation. These include a spacious engawa, a traditional Japanese veranda, which offers views of the garden. Additionally, a dedicated study area is positioned to provide a vista of the street. The architects emphasize the multi-functional nature of the stair hall, noting its adaptability. For instance, the handrail can be utilized as an extended clothesline on sunny days, while the stair treads are designed to be wide enough for sitting and relaxing, allowing residents to enjoy activities such as listening to music from the lower level. This zone is described as a 'sublime space filled with light and breeze,' highlighting its role as a comfortable and dynamic hub within the home. The structural integrity of the staircase is maintained by a series of slender timber columns and 16-millimeter steel rods that are suspended from the ceiling. The timber treads and risers of the stairs are securely bolted together and fastened onto a steel girder, ensuring both stability and a refined aesthetic. The architects acknowledge that, at first glance, the scale of the staircase might appear disproportionate for a dwelling of its size. However, they clarify that the light-filled stair hall is not merely a functional element for vertical circulation but also acts as a significant mediator of the surrounding environment. The slender yet overlapping columns within the stair hall subtly delineate the living spaces from the garden and neighboring properties. This arrangement allows a substantial amount of sunlight to enter the home, which is then filtered and softened by the various elements of the staircase—including the stairs themselves, the handrail, and the hanging rods. The result is a mellow and ample quality of light that permeates the living spaces beyond the central hall. In adherence to the principles of metabolism, a architectural movement that emphasizes flexibility and adaptability, the bedroom on the upper floor facing the staircase features a recurring series of folding doors. This design choice anticipates future needs, allowing for the potential division of the space into smaller children's rooms as the family evolves. Similarly, the ground floor living room is designed to open up completely to the garden, providing children with direct and unhindered access to the outdoor space. This thoughtful integration of flexible design and natural light creates a living environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, responding to the dynamic needs of its occupants within a compact Japanese urban setting. #JapaneseArchitecture #CompactLiving #StaircaseDesign #NaturalLight #ResidentialArchitecture #FlexibleInteriors #MetabolistInfluence #ArchitecturalInnovation

Architect Andrew Lister designed a distinctive home for actor Yuri Kinugawa and film producer Owen Hughes in the Auckland suburb of Waterview. The residence, characterized by its tall silhouette, narrow upper window, and a blank cedar-clad facade, adheres to the principles of the Direct Compass, a Japanese discipline akin to feng shui. The home's exterior, covered in cedar weatherboards, initially appears utilitarian, yet conceals a thoughtfully designed interior. The house's structure is composed of two primary boxes connected by a passageway and an adjoining bathroom. Despite its compact footprint, the design creates an illusion of greater spaciousness, as noted by Hughes. A prominent feature of the living room is a two-story bookcase spanning the entire northern wall, housing Hughes’ extensive book collection. This vertical storage solution ingeniously maximizes space, drawing the eye upwards and adding visual texture without encroaching on floor area. The central area of the home is laid out efficiently, with the kitchen to the left and the bedroom to the right. Above these spaces, two offices are stacked, accessible via a stairway at the rear of the room. The interior is enriched by family antiques and Japanese textiles, which introduce complementary textures, transforming the angular space into a welcoming environment. Following Direct Compass principles, the bedroom, considered vital for family relationships, overlooks a small zen garden on the south side of the house. This placement is believed to promote mental clarity due to cooler temperatures. A six-foot-long passageway clearly delineates the transition from the public kitchen and dining areas to the private bedroom. The traditional Japanese bathroom, situated off the central passageway, serves as a space for washing before bathing in a wood-lined onsen (tub). While the north side of the house offers views of an estuary, the street-facing facade maintains a minimalist, private appearance. In stark contrast, the west-facing side features a double-height glass wall that can be fully opened, merging the living space with a veranda. This outdoor area overlooks the garden, estuary, and harbor, providing a setting for observing sunsets and occasional dolphin sightings. The home's exterior features low-maintenance Canadian cedar cladding and aluminum joinery, designed to age gracefully and harmonize with the surrounding garden's sculptural desert plants. The durability of these materials is crucial, given the home's exposure to south-westerly winds laden with salt from the estuary, a condition the chosen plants tolerate well. #JapaneseDesign #BoxHome #TwoStoryBookcase #SmallSpaceLiving #DirectCompass #AucklandArchitecture #CedarCladding #ZenGarden #OpenPlanLiving

This article highlights a 260-square-foot tiny home located on Hawaii's Big Island, designed by Ellie and Dan Madsen of Paradise Tiny Homes. The dwelling is inspired by its lush surroundings and crafted to maximize natural light and leverage the temperate climate. The designers employed several clever techniques to make the small space feel larger and more functional. The interior features a living room and kitchen area with a lofty pitched roof, which contributes to a more open and spacious feel. Above the bedroom, a curved roof further enhances the sense of space in the lofted area. A significant design element is the strategic placement of windows to flood the interior with light. This includes two half-moon windows and a clerestory window at the front of the house, along with two large sliding windows on the sides of the living room. Smaller openings are incorporated to brighten the staircase and the bedroom loft, ensuring an abundance of natural illumination throughout the home. A notable and distinctive feature of this tiny house is the innovative design of the kitchen windows. One side of the kitchen opens up completely to the exterior deck, transforming into an indoor-outdoor bar area. This allows residents to enjoy the Hawaiian climate and surroundings while creating an extended entertaining space. The article showcases various aspects of the home through illustrations, including the vibrant blue exterior with round windows, the bright living area, and the functional kitchen with its unique operable windows. Other illustrations depict the narrow staircase leading to the lofted bedroom, a compact yet efficiently designed bathroom with blue tile, a corner sink with built-in shelving, and a small kitchen equipped with a double sink and a washer-dryer unit. The bedroom, despite its low ceiling height, is presented as a cozy and well-integrated space. The exterior view reveals the blue tiny house alongside its inviting deck and bar seating, emphasizing its integration with the natural environment. These design choices collectively create an oasis that feels significantly larger and more luxurious than its actual footprint, perfectly suiting its picturesque Hawaiian setting. #TinyHomes #HawaiiDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #NaturalLightDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SustainableDesign #CompactLivingSolutions

The 'Kusatsu House' in Shiga, Japan, designed by Hearth Architects, is a family home structured in an L-shape to embrace a central, tree-planted courtyard. This architectural decision was driven by the clients' desire for a home with a garden where family members could relax and interact, fostering a sense of togetherness. The L-shaped layout effectively integrates nature into the common living areas, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere within an otherwise understated interior palette. The design thoughtfully connects the indoor and outdoor spaces through extensive floor-to-ceiling openings, allowing abundant natural light to penetrate the home and blurring the lines between the interior and exterior environments. This approach enhances the feeling of openness while maintaining privacy. To balance openness with the need for seclusion, the veranda is enclosed by a concrete wall, offering a more private and introverted outdoor space. The design also incorporates traditional Japanese architectural elements, particularly evident in the courtyard. A wooden strip of flooring extends from the interior, effectively expanding the living area into the garden, providing a dedicated space for relaxation and connection with nature. The interiors are characterized by warm, natural tones, and a deliberate absence of excessive decoration, contributing to a minimalist and serene aesthetic. A notable feature is a small, separate Japanese-style room, which fulfills a specific client request. This room is distinguished by its vibrant colors, traditional tatami flooring, and an opaque opening that allows dim light to enter without compromising privacy. The project details confirm that the Kusatsu House was completed in February 2020. It spans a site area of 160.41 square meters, with a building area of 65.21 square meters and a total floor area of 99.36 square meters. Photography for the project was done by Yuta Yamada. Hearth Architects successfully met the clients' brief by creating a harmonious living environment that celebrates both communal interaction and individual privacy, all while deeply connecting with its natural surroundings through thoughtful design and traditional influences. The house stands as a contemporary example of Japanese residential architecture that prioritizes natural light, spatial fluidity, and a calm, inviting atmosphere. #LShapedHouse #HearthArchitects #KusatsuHouse #JapaneseArchitecture #CourtyardDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #NaturalLight #IndoorOutdoorLiving #MinimalistInterior

Sunny Simmons and Caroline Smith, a husband and wife duo, transformed a former auto body shop in San Francisco into Onsen, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse and restaurant. This ambitious three-year project involved a complete revamp of the space, with the couple even residing in an Airstream inside the automotive building during the renovation period. Sunny, a craft builder, prioritized retaining the original character of the building while integrating modern amenities. He meticulously collected wood over time, which was then used throughout the building, contributing to its unique aesthetic and connection to the past. The aesthetic of Onsen is deeply influenced by Japanese bathhouse culture, yet it incorporates the couple's personal touch and a focus on community. Caroline curated the art that adorns the walls of the treatment rooms and the restaurant, adding a distinct artistic dimension to the space. The bathhouse section of Onsen features six treatment rooms and a communal bathing area. A notable highlight is the cold plunge shower installation, which draws inspiration from steampunk fiction, providing a distinctive and invigorating experience for patrons. Each treatment room within the bathhouse offers a unique environment. One room is a dry sauna constructed entirely from redwood, evoking the feel of a traditional sauna. Another room showcases striking black and white tiles, adding a graphic element to its design. The communal bathing room’s five-head cold shower plunge system exemplifies the blend of traditional inspiration with a unique, artistic interpretation. The walls are further decorated with a collection of bathhouse tickets from various locations around the world, adding to the authentic and global feel of the space. Beyond the bathhouse, Onsen features an intimate, chef-driven restaurant and tearoom at the front of the building. This culinary space offers fresh, seasonal cuisine and tea service, complementing the tranquil and rejuvenating experience of the bathhouse. The owners' commitment extends beyond commercial enterprise to community engagement. On Tuesdays, when the business is closed, Simmons and Smith plan to open their facility to the neighborhood, offering services to those who might not otherwise have access. This initiative reflects their dedication to giving back and fostering a sense of community. The entire transformation, from an industrial auto body shop to a serene Japanese-inspired haven, showcases a blend of historical preservation, modern design, and community spirit. #ZenBathhouse #JapaneseDesign #SanFrancisco #AdaptiveReuse #InteriorDesign #CommunitySpace #CraftBuilding #Wellness

Taichi Nishishita Architect & Associates designed the House in Torinoki in Iyo City, Japan, for the lead architect's parents. The primary challenge involved a small-scale plot, which led to the creation of a home that evokes the depth and security often associated with a cave. The total floor area measures just under 77 square meters, yet the design successfully integrates the garden, earthen floor, and the living, dining, and kitchen areas to create an unconfined sense of space. The incorporation of a flowing line from the built-in garage to the entrance, facilitated by the eaves, further enhances the feeling of spaciousness within the compact structure. Throughout the project, the design team emphasized the use of rustic and warm materials, prioritizing quality over mere quantity. This material selection reflects a deeper exploration of what ‘quality’ signifies for the occupants’ final residence, lending an emotional dimension to the architectural endeavor. The House in Torinoki stands as a testament to the seamless integration of thoughtful design and a tender consideration for its inhabitants, resulting in a living environment that addresses their specific needs and aspirations. The architecture aims to enrich human experiences, imbuing the living spaces with a profound sense of meaning. Key features of the design include the connection of the garden with the indoor living areas, fostering a harmonious blend between inside and outside environments. The exterior of the house is clad in black-painted cedar, providing a distinctive aesthetic and protection. The garden showcases Ashino stone, contributing to the natural and rustic material palette. This stone flooring extends to both indoor and outdoor areas, creating continuity and a unified surface throughout the property. The overall structure is topped with a single large roof, simplifying the silhouette and offering shelter. The interior design incorporates timber textures, which add warmth and character to the spaces. Weaved paper screens are utilized to allow for natural airflow, promoting ventilation within the home. Additionally, Japanese shoji screens are integrated into the design, enabling soft, filtered sunlight to diffuse gently throughout the structure, particularly illuminating the living and dining rooms. This deliberate use of materials and design elements collectively contributes to a minimal yet deeply considered residence that respects its natural surroundings and provides a tranquil, functional home for its occupants. Project information specifies that Taichi Nishishita Architect & Associates was responsible for the design of the House in Torinoki, located in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Hirokazu Fujimura is credited with the photography of the residence. #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #MinimalistArchitecture #CedarCladding #StoneFlooring #SmallScalePlot #IntegratedLiving #NaturalMaterials #ArchitecturalDesign

Kichi Architectural Design has completed the House of Kubogaoka, a cube-shaped residence in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The house features small square windows intermittently placed across its facades. The structure utilizes a timber framework, but its front and rear facades are finished with plaster, providing the appearance of solid concrete construction. In contrast to these two facades, the side walls of the house are painted white. According to the architects, the use of white on the side walls creates a clear visual distinction against the basic mortar color of the other exterior walls. The main entrance of the house is created by an apparent cut-away section at one corner of the cube. Upon entering, a corridor extends directly through the house to a terrace located at the rear. This corridor features a dark tiled floor, which the architects liken to the traditional earth floors found in older Japanese homes. This design element aims to evoke a sense of historical Japanese dwelling immediately upon entry, extending the concept of an 'earth-floored room' to the outdoor yard beyond. The interior of the house introduces varying floor levels and materials to define different spaces. The main living area of the first storey is raised by two steps from the entrance corridor. This change in elevation is accompanied by a transition in flooring material, moving from the dark tiles of the corridor to a wooden surface. Further into the house, this wooden surface then gives way to a grid of tatami mats, forming a traditional Japanese room. The architects state that this combination of tatami and tiles harmonizes Japanese and Western interior styles within the residence. The traditional Japanese room is designed with sliding partitions, allowing it to be separated from an adjacent long, narrow space. This adaptable space serves multiple functions as a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen. This layout facilitates an open-plan living environment while retaining the option for privacy or distinct area definitions through the use of traditional sliding screens. An outdoor dining area is integrated into a recess at the back of the house. This area is strategically aligned with a sheltered balcony on the upper floor, suggesting a vertical connection between the outdoor spaces. A staircase, constructed with wooden treads, provides access to the upper storey. The upper floor accommodates two bedrooms, which are situated along opposite walls, with a second tatami room positioned between them. Photography for the project was carried out by Ippei Shinzawa. Floor plans for both the ground and first floors, as well as a cross-section, are available to illustrate the layout and design. #ResidentialArchitecture #JapaneseHouses #KichiArchitecturalDesign #IbarakiPrefecture #CubeHouse #TatamiRooms #TimberConstruction #ArchitecturalDesign

MDS, a Japanese architectural firm, has designed and constructed the 'Okazaki House,' a single-storey residence featuring a distinctive pitched shed roof. This project addresses the increasing trend in Japan of multi-generational living, specifically the demand for dwellings built on the property of a client's parents. The house is situated adjacent to the owner's parents' home in Okazaki-city, Aichi, Japan, and was completed in 2012. The site itself presents a natural slope from north to south and also towards the west, where the existing family home is located. This topographical advantage allows the new 'Okazaki House' to be positioned on an elevated spot, providing its inhabitants with expansive views of the sky. The design incorporates a unique internal arrangement where the floor levels of the rooms are dynamically influenced by the natural ground height of the building's footprint. The interior layout is characterized by two strategically placed canted, or angled, walls that delineate the open-plan space into distinct living zones. The main bedroom is located on the highest part of the site, specifically the north-east side. From this point, the interior slopes downwards, passing through a central courtyard before reaching the living room, which seamlessly transitions into the dining and kitchen areas. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that occupants can maintain a consistent eye-level perspective across the interior spaces, fostering a sense of interconnectedness while also defining separate functional zones and a feeling of distance. A key architectural feature of the 'Okazaki House' is its exposed cedar framework for the roof. This framework is constructed using standard 120 x 120mm lumber pieces. The beams are laid within the maximum standard length of 6 meters and are artfully criss-crossed at the upper sections of the canted interior walls. This construction method not only provides structural integrity but also creates a visually striking ceiling surface that is appreciated both from inside the home and from its exterior. The total floor area of the residence is 98.17 square meters on a site area of 213.74 square meters. The material palette for the house includes exterior finishes of Yakisugi (charred cedar) and exposed concrete, which contribute to its contemporary aesthetic and durability. The roof is made of galvanized color steel sheet with standing-seam roofing. Inside, the floors are finished with oak flooring, the walls are plastered, and the ceiling showcases the exposed Oregon pine of 120x120mm, highlighting the structural beauty. The design by Kiyotoshi Mori & Natsuko Kawamura of MDS demonstrates a considered approach to site integration, spatial organization, and material expression, resulting in a residence that responds to both family dynamics and environmental conditions in Japan. #MDSArchitects #JapaneseArchitecture #OkazakiHouse #ShedRoofDesign #SingleStoreyHome #ResidentialDesign #CedarFramework #SlopedSiteDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The Rowan is the newest tiny house model introduced by the online marketplace, Tiny House Listings. This 34-foot-long (10-meter) tiny house distinguishes itself with a useful porch area and an expansive interior layout, uniquely arranged on a single floor. While its length is comparable to many North American tiny houses, its increased width of 10 feet (3 meters) — 1.5 feet wider than the standard 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) — contributes significantly to a more spacious and home-like feel inside. However, this extra width necessitates a permit for towing on public roads in the USA, making it less ideal for frequent relocation. The Rowan is constructed on a six-axle trailer, a notable feature that suggests a design choice to distribute weight effectively. The exterior is finished with engineered board and batten wood, complemented by a metal roof, ensuring durability and a contemporary aesthetic. The interior boasts drywall finishes, providing a clean and modern canvas for residents. Access to the home is through a 6-foot (1.8-meter) porch, which leads into the living room via double glass doors. The living area is well-lit with generous glazing and is designed to accommodate a sofa, a TV, and a cabinet, creating a comfortable space for relaxation. Adjacent to the living room is the kitchen, which is equipped with an induction stove and a sink. It offers ample cabinetry and designated space for additional appliances, catering to practical cooking needs. A breakfast bar with seating for two further enhances the kitchen's functionality, serving as a casual dining or workspace. Moving deeper into the tiny house, past the living and kitchen areas, is the bathroom. This facility includes a shower, a sink, a flushing toilet, and some storage, providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. One of the most significant design aspects of the Rowan is its single-floor layout, particularly evident in the bedroom. Unlike many tiny houses that feature loft bedrooms requiring occupants to crawl, the Rowan’s bedroom offers ample headroom, allowing residents to stand and move around comfortably. Located at the opposite end of the house from the entrance, the bedroom is designed to accommodate a queen-sized bed. It also includes a large built-in closet and washer/dryer hookups, maximizing convenience and storage within the limited space. The Rowan is currently available for purchase at US$92,000. This model aligns with Tiny House Listings' recent offerings, which include the larger duplex-style TinyPlex and the more budget-friendly Cortado, showcasing the marketplace's diverse range of tiny home solutions. The Rowan represents a practical yet comfortable option for individuals or couples seeking a tiny house experience with an emphasis on interior spaciousness and a semi-outdoor living component provided by its porch. #TinyHouses #TinyHouseDesign #SmallSpaceLiving #MobileHomes #AffordableHousing #CompactLiving #MinimalistLiving #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article showcases a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) house plan, highlighting its design features, functionality, and potential applications. This particular tiny cottage ADU, spanning 700 square feet, is presented as a simple yet versatile home design, notable for its timeless curb appeal and budget-friendly footprint. The design incorporates a large front porch, complete with inviting window shutters and a sleek metal roof, emphasizing outdoor living space as a key amenity for its inhabitants. The interior layout of the 700-square-foot ADU is designed for efficiency and practicality. The living area seamlessly flows into the kitchen, which features a movable island, offering a flexible solution for additional counter space when needed. The bedroom is strategically placed at the back of the unit. A noteworthy aspect for a home of this compact size is the inclusion of two walk-in closets within the bedroom. One of these closets is cleverly designed to house the laundry machines, which are also accessible from the main hallway, demonstrating a thoughtful use of limited space. Further enhancing its functionality, the ADU includes a hall bath equipped with shelves near the tub/shower combo, providing convenient storage. The article suggests that this tiny cottage ADU is suitable for various inhabitants, including elderly relatives seeking independent living close to family, young adults still living at home but desiring more autonomy, or tenants looking for a compact and affordable rental option. The emphasis on a simple, four-corner footprint contributes to its budget-friendly nature, making it an accessible option for different housing needs. Authored by Aurora Zeledon, Director, e-Commerce Marketing, Merchandising, and Content for Zonda House Plans, the article positions this ADU as an interesting, innovative, and marketable design. Zeledon’s expertise in the pre-drawn plan industry, gained over more than ten years, informs the selection of such designs to be featured across Zonda’s various platforms. The plan is presented as part of a wider collection of tiny house plans available on Houseplans.com, catering to a growing demand for compact and efficient living solutions. #TinyCottageADU #HousePlan #AccessoryDwellingUnit #TinyHomes #HomeDesign #AffordableHousing #ResidentialDesign #FloorPlan

Sides Core, an Osaka-based studio led by Sohei Arao and Sumiko Arao, designed the House in Mikage for a family with a young child in Kobe, Japan. This project came 15 years after the architects had previously designed a beauty salon for the same clients. The core design philosophy for House in Mikage was to create a series of simple, flexible "containers" using quality materials that would adapt to the family's evolving needs over time. The architects emphasized that such simple containers are timeless, prevent boredom, and allow the inhabitants and their lives to shine. They view living spaces as essential containers that enhance family life and individual experiences. The timber-framed house is situated in Mikage, a residential area near Osaka Bay, just outside Kobe. The plot is uniquely positioned two meters above street level, a deliberate choice that not only provides a private parking space but also ensures privacy for the residents. This elevated position also offers clear views of a forested cliff to the south, integrating nature into the home's visual experience. From the exterior, the house presents itself as a clean, white cuboid structure. It features two prominent, wood-lined openings. One of these openings creates a sheltered balcony on the first floor, which connects to a shared circulation area, storage space, a double bedroom, a single bedroom, and a bathroom. On the ground floor, the second large opening partially shelters a spacious terrace. This terrace serves as an entry point to the open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area through full-height glazed panels. The architects highlighted the deliberate presence of nature within the house, with south-facing windows leading to these outdoor spaces. These deep, tunnel-like openings are strategically designed to obscure views of neighboring houses, providing a serene environment while effectively framing the natural scenery beyond. Exposed structural elements, such as timber beams and ceiling boards, are uniformly pitched throughout the interior. These elements, along with structural supports, showcase the natural character of the wood and serve to connect the interior and exterior spaces visually. Inside the house, the use of wood extends to the stair treads, flooring, and partitions on the upper level, as well as built-in shelving and storage solutions, reinforcing the natural aesthetic. Other interior surfaces are predominantly finished in white, including the slender bannister of the staircase, creating a bright and minimalist contrast with the timber. A compact storage area is discreetly integrated beside the main entrance, which is located on the side of the house. The architects intentionally minimized permanent fixtures in the space, inspired by the clients' previous home, which they found to be uncluttered and efficient. This approach allows for greater flexibility and personalization within the living areas. A notable custom-designed piece is a trestle table on the ground floor, which features interchangeable legs. This innovative design allows it to function as a traditional Japanese low table (chabudai), to be folded away for storage, or to be moved onto the outdoor terrace, reflecting the adaptable nature of the living space. Sides Core suggests that the owners will likely continue to modify their furniture to suit their evolving lifestyle. Founded in 2005, Sides Core is recognized for its minimalist salon interiors, including projects like a salon in Osaka that accommodates only one client at a time and another with mirrors suspended from the ceiling by cables. The architects observed that the salon they designed for the clients 15 years prior still maintained a modern aesthetic, indicating the owners' dedication to maintaining their spaces, a factor that influenced the design of their new residence. Photography of the House in Mikage was conducted by Takumi Ota. #HouseInMikage #SidesCore #KobeArchitecture #JapaneseResidential #WoodenArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #FlexibleLivingSpaces #TimberFrame #InteriorDesign

Yuji Kimura Design has completed House K, a three-storey residential project located in a busy Tokyo neighborhood. The primary design challenge was to reconcile the client's desire for private outdoor terraces with the need for privacy on a street with significant traffic. To achieve this, the architects implemented a design strategy that involves a tall, white perimeter wall effectively shielding the house and its outdoor spaces from public view. The house is conceived as an elongated box extending from east to west, a configuration that optimizes natural light exposure. The southern facade incorporates the bedrooms and terraces, strategically positioned to receive ample sunlight throughout the day. To further enhance privacy on these terraces while still allowing light and air, slatted timber and translucent panels are used as screening elements, preventing direct views from passersby. In contrast, the northern facade features smaller, horizontal slit windows. These openings are designed to bring natural light into specific areas such as the ground-floor living room and toilet, and the first-floor bathroom and hallway, without compromising the overall sense of seclusion. Upon entering House K, residents are greeted by a functional and uncluttered entrance hall on the ground floor. This space integrates full-height cabinets with recessed handles, creating a streamlined appearance and maximizing storage efficiency. The entrance hall transitions into an open-plan living area, which includes a kitchen, dining room, and a study area. A notable design detail in the ground-floor toilet is the full-height door, which, when closed, blends seamlessly with the wall, contributing to the minimalist aesthetic. Connecting the different levels of the house is a steel staircase with open timber treads. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it also facilitates the flow of natural light between the upper and lower floors, enhancing the brightness of the interior. The staircase extends upwards to a loft space, further contributing to the natural illumination within the dwelling. The first floor is dedicated to private quarters, housing three bedrooms along one side and a bathroom and separate toilet on the other. Consistent with the ground floor, the doors to these private rooms are also full-height, maintaining a cohesive and less obtrusive visual language when closed. Throughout the interior, Yuji Kimura Design has maintained a minimalist material palette, predominantly featuring white walls and light timber floors, which contributes to a bright, spacious, and serene atmosphere. The total area of the house is 95.98 square meters, built on a site of 120.1 square meters, with a building area of 47.99 square meters. #TokyoArchitecture #JapaneseHouses #PrivacyDesign #ModernResidential #WhiteFacade #TerraceDesign #MinimalistInterior #YujiKimuraDesign

This article introduces the House in Shinkawa, a residential project designed by Japanese architect Yoshichika Takagi, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture. The house uniquely combines a well-insulated wooden living area with a translucent polycarbonate-encased terrace. This innovative design aims to balance thermal efficiency with a sense of openness and spaciousness within a compact footprint of just 53 square meters. The terrace, or "half-exterior space," is designed to adapt to the region's climate. During spring and autumn, it functions as an extension of the main living area, offering a bright and open environment. In winter, it transforms into a glasshouse, providing protection from the harsh cold while still allowing natural light to permeate the space. This dual functionality is crucial for maximizing the usability of the limited space throughout the year, especially given Sapporo's often severe winter conditions. The connection between the wooden interior and the polycarbonate terrace is achieved through sliding glass doors. This design choice creates a nuanced relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing for both continuous and discontinuous interactions. According to Takagi, this continuity helps the small house feel more expansive, while the discontinuity aids in maintaining the thermal integrity of the indoor living space, making it energy-efficient. Inside the timber-framed section of the house, the layout is open-plan, with a central staircase illuminated by a skylight. This central feature contributes to the overall brightness and flow of the interior. A distinctive element of the design is the inclusion of two house-shaped bedrooms, strategically placed between the main living area and the sloping roof. These attic bedrooms feature small windows that offer views down into the living space below, creating a unique visual connection within the home. Additionally, the upper floor accommodates a study, providing a dedicated space for work or quiet activities. The integration of these elements within a modest footprint showcases a thoughtful approach to residential architecture, particularly in urban settings where space is often at a premium. The use of corrugated plastic as an exterior material for the sunroom demonstrates a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for environmental control, previously seen in projects like Casos de Casas' year-round terraces in Spain. This project highlights a blend of functionality, climate responsiveness, and creative spatial organization. #Japan #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Polycarbonate #YoshichikaTakagi #JapaneseHouses #CorrugatedPlastic #EditorsPicks #SmallFootprintHome

Hearth Architects designed 'House in Nango,' a two-story detached house in Nango, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, completed in July 2021. The architectural project addresses the site's natural incline by incorporating a multi-level design that seamlessly connects the interior spaces with the exterior environment. A defining feature of the residence is its 19-meter-long sloping roof, which extends to cover a garage space, creating a cohesive and visually striking architectural element. This sloping roof is also visible from the interior, contributing to the dynamic spatial experience within the home. The design philosophy for 'House in Nango' emphasizes minimalism, deliberately avoiding excessive decoration. Instead, the focus is placed on the interplay of materials and textures, primarily concrete and wood, to create visual interest and define spaces. Niches and varying ceiling heights emerge from the structural design, enhancing the interior's aesthetic appeal through the strategic use of these two primary materials. The architects aimed to create a dwelling that is both neat and inviting, fostering an environment where family members can spend quality time together while also having designated areas for individual reflection. The interior of the house blends the cool grey tones of concrete with the warm hues of timber, creating an intimate and balanced atmosphere. This pure and sober material palette is punctuated by strategically placed openings of various sizes, allowing abundant natural daylight to penetrate the living spaces. A small skylight, positioned at the highest point of the sloping ceiling, offers occupants glimpses of the sky, further connecting the interior with the outdoors. To expand the sense of living space and blur the boundaries between the inside and outside, Hearth Architects incorporated floor-to-ceiling openings. These large transparent surfaces ensure a smooth transition from the interior living areas to the external environment, enhancing the home's open and airy feel. The overall design of 'House in Nango' reflects traditional Japanese sensibilities, prioritizing simplicity, fluidity, and a harmonious relationship with its surroundings. The project, photographed by Yuta Yamada, occupies a site area of 237.17 sqm, with a building area of 109.30 sqm and a total floor area of 99.36 sqm. #HearthArchitects #JapaneseArchitecture #MinimalistDesign #ConcreteAndWood #DetachedHouse #SlopingRoof #ResidentialArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NangoHouse

A townhome in Lewes has been transformed into a mindfulness retreat, drawing inspiration from Japanese architecture and aesthetics. The project, designed by Scott Edmonston, principal of Millville-based SEA Studio Architects, in collaboration with Camenisch Company Inc., sought to create a serene escape for a bachelor who desired a quiet space for writing, away from his primary residence in Manhattan, while also accommodating occasional family visits. The design implicitly embraces several Japanese principles, including *wabi-sabi*, which celebrates the beauty of transience and imperfection; *shibui*, emphasizing simplicity, subtlety, and economy of line; and *miyabi*, denoting refinement and polish. These concepts were expertly integrated by the project’s contractor, Milton’s Camenisch Company. The homeowner's desire for a mindful retreat, coupled with the structural limitations—an HOA mandate against external or window configuration changes—led to a design that maximized internal flexibility and aesthetic coherence. The two-story home, an award winner at the 2022 AIA Delaware, functions to promote mental clarity and a healthy lifestyle, encouraging occupants to slow down and immerse themselves in their surroundings. This is achieved through thoughtful architectural choices that foster a sense of calm and remove daily stressors. Key design elements include custom built-in furniture, such as a sofa in the living room and cabinetry in the kitchen and primary bedroom, fabricated by Alleghany Woodworks. The kitchen features vertical-grain white oak cabinetry with concealed hardware and Pental Quartz countertops and backsplash, designed to seamlessly integrate into the living space and even disappear when not in use. Throughout the home, the flooring is white oak with a custom finish. Light plays a pivotal role in the design, with natural illumination flooding the spaces. The existing clerestory windows are augmented by a system of Japanese *shoji* screens, built by Brian Holcombe Woodworker. These screens not only enhance the aesthetic but also provide flexibility in partitioning space, allowing small areas to feel larger and offering privacy when needed, particularly in the 130-square-foot “bunk room” which can adapt to host varying numbers of guests. The primary bathroom is a standout feature, designed as an open-style wet room with built-in seating, multiple shower fixtures, and a deep soaking tub from Signature Hardware. This space evokes the tranquility of Japanese *onsens*. The materials used, such as Riad Tile in Zellige natural white for walls and Tilebar’s Bronx Collection for flooring, contribute to the serene ambiance. The interior is further curated with select furniture and art, including a Japanese banner that translates to “clear skies for 1,000 miles,” symbolizing both the views of the nearby bay and the clarity of mind the home aims to inspire. #JapaneseDesign #TownhomeLiving #MindfulnessRetreat #CoastalHome #InteriorArchitecture #CustomBuiltIns #ShojiScreens #WabiSabi #Shibui

Kiri Architects has designed a compact family home in Nishitōkyō, an area west of Tokyo's city centre, known as Light-Filled Stair Hall. This 79-square-meter residence is shortlisted in the Urban House category of Dezeen Awards 2022. The design centers around a significantly expanded stairwell that occupies approximately one-third of the total living space, transforming it from a mere transitional element into a versatile social hub for the family of four. Inspired by the *engawa*, a traditional Japanese veranda, principal Keisuke Kiri envisioned the staircase as a dynamic space capable of various functions beyond simple circulation. The stairwell stretches across the entire width of the house, positioned directly behind a full-height glazed facade. This strategic placement allows ample daylight to permeate the interior while simultaneously providing a visual buffer that offers privacy from neighboring properties, a crucial consideration in densely populated Tokyo where land parcels are often small. Constructed with a minimalist approach, the staircase features 50-millimeter-thick wooden treads and risers supported by a system of timber columns and suspended steel rods. This open structure not only maximizes light penetration but also integrates the staircase seamlessly into the living environment. The wide stair treads are designed to be comfortable for sitting and relaxing, and the handrail can even serve as an extended washing line on sunny days, highlighting its multifunctional intent. The ground floor of the house features an open-plan layout intelligently divided by a stepped floor level. One section accommodates a kitchen and dining area with a large island counter, while the other functions as a lounge, complete with a family piano. A wall of integrated storage, including a pantry, flanks this area. Upstairs, a family bathroom is located adjacent to a spacious bedroom. This bedroom is fronted by six glazed doors, which provide flexibility for future subdivision of the space as the children grow, allowing for adaptability in room configuration. An additional feature is a small work-from-home area, thoughtfully incorporated with shelving and a desk at the end of the first-floor landing of the stairwell. Light-Filled Stair Hall is recognized for its innovative use of space and its response to the challenges of urban living, making it a contender for the Urban House of the Year at the Dezeen Awards. The project demonstrates how architectural elements, traditionally seen as functional, can be reimagined to enhance social interaction and adaptability within a compact urban dwelling. #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #TokyoHouses #StaircaseDesign #CompactLiving #UrbanHouse #DezeenAwards #KiriArchitects