permeable ground floor breathes life into raised house by kazuto nishi architects in japan

Tamada & Wakimoto Architects have completed the 'Roof House' in the rural outskirts of Tochigi, Japan, on a former farmstead surrounded by rice fields and small factories. This residence is designed to integrate daily life with its garden surroundings. The project is situated on a 2,000-square-meter plot, which previously held a large farmhouse and was framed by hardwood trees. The client, a young individual relocating from the city, sought a space that could facilitate living, working, and social connection, while also offering adaptability for future needs. The architects responded to this brief by disaggregating the house into several compact buildings, which are then strategically arranged around semi-outdoor courtyards. These intermediate spaces, referred to as 'earthen floor' gardens, are unified beneath a single, thin, and extended roof. This design approach results in a relaxed, low-slung architectural form that encourages fluid movement between indoor rooms and outdoor areas. This integration allows the surrounding landscape, prevailing weather conditions, and local daily rhythms to significantly influence and shape the occupants' interaction with the house. The design of Roof House imbues each side with a distinct character. The main garden is oriented towards the existing trees, and an outdoor kitchen is incorporated for cooking and social gatherings, particularly during the spring cherry blossom season. Near the entrance, a shaded zone beneath the eaves serves as an informal space for sitting, conversing, or receiving visitors. To the north, a walled garden provides a dedicated area for weekend activities such as carpentry or car maintenance, reflecting common rural pursuits. Central to the Roof House's concept is its inherent adaptability. The architectural plan allows for future reconfigurations over time. For instance, the private section of the house, which includes the bedroom and bath, could continue to function as a vacation home. Concurrently, other segments of the structure are designed with the flexibility to be repurposed, potentially serving as a small retail shop or an art gallery. This forward-thinking design ensures the residence can evolve with the client's changing needs and aspirations, maintaining its utility and relevance in the long term. #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #GardenIntegration #AdaptableArchitecture #RuralLiving #CourtyardHouse #ArchitecturalInnovation #TamadaWakimotoArchitects

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

The "Courtyard House with Seven Rooms" project, designed by Takayuki Kuzushima and Associates, is a residential property located in the suburbs of Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Completed in 2022, the house spans an area of 95 square meters and was constructed with structural support from Komatsu Structural Design. The design process for this house was unique, starting from the owner's extensive collection of architectural and interior design images sourced from social media and magazines. This collection included a diverse range of aesthetics and functional ideas, from bare concrete exteriors and wood-paneled facades to minimalist and eclectic interiors, alongside practical storage solutions and antique furniture preferences. Faced with a seemingly disparate set of inspirations, the architects opted against a selective approach to integrate these varied elements. Instead, their design philosophy focused on creating a foundational framework capable of accommodating and harmonizing this overflow of diverse and potentially evolving preferences. The core concept revolves around an "open room to room" strategy within a "build room in town" context. This approach aimed to foster a continuous and adaptable living environment that could embrace the owner's changing tastes over time, rather than confining them to a rigid, pre-defined style. The house is characterized by the use of wood and steel as primary materials, reflecting a blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese architectural elements. The design likely incorporates a courtyard, as suggested by the project title, to introduce natural light and ventilation while maintaining privacy in a suburban setting. The "seven rooms" could refer to distinct functional zones or spaces within the house, each potentially reflecting a different aspect of the owner's collected inspirations, yet interconnected through the overarching design framework. The emphasis on adaptability and the ability to integrate diverse aesthetic preferences suggests a highly personalized and flexible living space. This project exemplifies an architectural response to the modern homeowner's desire for a custom-built environment that can evolve with their lifestyle, moving beyond a single, static design vision. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Nishio #JapanArchitecture #CourtyardHouse #JapaneseDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #WoodConstruction #SteelStructure

In a quiet residential area of Tokyo, the Japanese design studio Nendo has crafted a new house, aptly named the 'Stairway House,' which features a supersized staircase as its central element. Designed for two families from different generations, the project emphasizes openness and connectivity while maximizing natural light within the site's constraints. The site, surrounded by other apartment buildings, led Nendo to strategically offset the new volume to the north end of the plot. This arrangement creates ample space at the southern elevation, allowing for a largely glazed facade that ushers natural light and ventilation deep into the interior. This glass frontage also facilitates a visual connection between the residents and a garden area, integrating a touch of nature into the urban environment. The house accommodates an older couple on the first floor and a younger couple with their child on the upper floors. The first-floor program includes a kitchen, living/dining room, bedroom, study, bathroom, toilet, and storage. Notably, Nendo incorporated a dedicated cat room for the older couple's eight cats, providing them free access to roam and keep the mother company while gardening. This thoughtful inclusion reflects the family's lifestyle and relationship with their pets. The second and third floors, designated for the younger family, feature a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a study, and various storage solutions. To seamlessly connect these distinct living spaces, Nendo introduced a massive 'stairway-like' structure that traverses all three levels. This architectural element serves as more than just a means of vertical circulation; it creatively houses essential functions such as bathrooms and additional storage, optimizing the use of space. The upper portion of the 'stairway' transforms into a semi-outdoor greenhouse. This area is rich with greenery and provides a sunny spot for the cats to climb and relax. This design decision blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, enhancing the living experience with natural elements. The stairway, filled with plants, subtly links the upper and lower floors along a diagonal axis, fostering a sense of connection among the three generations while preserving their individual privacy. Furthermore, this innovative structure extends conceptually beyond the building itself, connecting to the southward-facing road at ground level and reaching towards the sky through a rooflight, symbolizing a broader integration with its urban and natural surroundings. Project details confirm the location as Tokyo, Japan, with Nendo as the designer. Photography credits go to Takumi Ota and Daici Ano. #Nendo #StairwayHouse #TokyoArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #NaturalLight #IndoorPlants #JapaneseArchitecture #ModernHome

The Tokyo-based architecture firm matsuokasatoshitamurayuki, led by Satoshi Matsuoka and Yuki Tamura, has completed a courtyard house in a commuter town near Tokyo. This residential project features a distinctive pleated radial floor plan and integrates a small garden and outdoor living spaces around its perimeter. The design aims to strike a balance between interior privacy and connection to the surrounding environment, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese house designs, particularly the 'geya' architectural element. The design strategy involved lowering a small roof attached to the main house to align with the site's borders, following the natural contours of a berm. This approach, combined with the pleated plan, creates varied depths within the structure. The architects aimed to preserve the appearance of the area's characteristic 'geya' house design while fostering the community culture associated with small gardens and berms. The pleated internal spaces are designed with initial specific functions but are intended to adapt to evolving uses over time. The house is configured to accommodate two families within a limited floor space, meaning individual rooms are not designed to be self-sufficient but rather part of a larger interconnected whole. Key interior elements, such as counters and tables, are positioned to extend beyond their designated areas, promoting a fluid transition between spaces. Abundant natural sunlight is a central feature, filtering through windows to illuminate every corner of the home. The 'geya' section, located beneath the small roof, provides a comfortable, sunlit area near a window, suitable for family gatherings or individual relaxation. This space is envisioned to be versatile, functioning as a communal hub while also allowing for separate activities. A central room, measuring 4.5 x 5.5 meters with a ceiling height of 4 meters, forms the core of the house. This area offers a private, bright space for the family, flexible enough to adapt to future needs and changes. The design consciously integrates the concept of a courtyard house, where internal spaces are protected while maintaining a connection to the outside. Unlike typical courtyard houses that are often closed off from the exterior, this residence opens sensitively towards the surrounding berm, ensuring privacy for the residents while remaining approachable to neighbors. The architects describe it as a "closed home" that allows the family to live in peace. The exterior of the main house features a tower-like central room, which serves as a symbolic icon for the family. By adopting and adapting the characteristic appearance of vernacular homes in the area, the architects hope the house will become an enduring and integrated part of the local community. The project details include a wooden structure, with wood and steel as major materials. The site area is 166.58 square meters, with a building area of 82.40 square meters and a total floor area of 101.72 square meters. The structural consultant was ASA – Akira Suzuki, and the general contractor was Yasumatsu Tekken. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #CourtyardHouse #PleatedFloorPlan #JapaneseArchitecture #Tokyo #GeyaConcept #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article details the 'Division House' project, a new residential building designed by Takei Nabeshima Architects (TNA) for a couple from Tokyo, situated in the dense forest of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The architects, Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima, faced the challenge of a lack of clear reference points in the vast forest, which is only five minutes from a busy motorway. Upon their initial visit, they could only identify a pond, a creek, and a spring well, with the slightly sloping ground being the only indication of their position at the foot of the Yatsugatake mountains. This disorientation inspired TNA to design the house itself as a navigational aid or 'signpost' within the environment. The design concept centers on integrating the house with its natural surroundings rather than separating from it. The building is arranged along a north-south axis. Its most distinctive feature is an asymmetrical pitched roof, which, when viewed from above, resembles an arrow, effectively turning the house into a compass. The main structure of the house consists of a large cube, accommodating essential living spaces such as the kitchen, living area, bedroom, and a sunroom. An adjoining smaller cube serves as an annex. The interior layout is strategically planned to frame specific views of the natural elements observed during their first visit. At ground level, the walls are positioned to direct views towards four distinct zones: the pond, the creek, the spring well, and the entrance road. Inside the main building, four cross-shaped walls further partition the space, mirroring how the exterior walls delineate the forest itself. This architectural choice reinforces the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. The materials used emphasize this immersion in nature, with the structure, internal walls, furniture, and window sashes all crafted from wood, creating a cohesive and natural aesthetic. Makoto Takei notes that this extensive use of wood ensures that residents experience a complete immersion in the forest while inside the house. Chie Nabeshima explains that the Division House does not push the forest away but instead defines it, creating 'spaces in-between the trees.' This approach allows the architecture to organize the seemingly endless forest into comprehensible segments, creating varied perceptions of distance and scale, such as 'small and close distances, big rooms and small rooms, this forest and that forest.' The project, updated in October 2022, exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to a challenging natural site, turning a potential obstacle into a fundamental design principle that enhances the living experience. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #NaganoPrefecture #JapaneseArchitecture #TNAArchitects #ForestHouse #BiophilicDesign #SustainableMaterials #ArchitecturalInnovation

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

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

This blog post features the renovation of a 90-year-old house in Kamakura, Japan, transformed into an atelier by architect Yuji Okitsu. The project, named Annex House, serves as an annex to the clients' main residence, designed to host artists, culinary experts, and entertain friends. The building, a 721-square-foot structure, is situated on a flat site on a steep hillside, typical of Kamakura's topography. Upon initial assessment, the house had been stripped to its framework, with its original layout largely unidentifiable. The renovation aimed to harmonize the existing structure with the surrounding environment, preserving the historical essence of the building while integrating modern elements. A key design philosophy was to maintain respect for the house's long history. This was achieved by not painting the exposed parts of the repaired and reinforced framework to differentiate new wood from old. The project sought to symbolize the coexistence of old and new and the building's enduring presence. Material selection emphasized longevity and character. The exterior walls were clad in yakisugi, a traditional Japanese charred wood, known for its durability and aesthetic aging. Brass door knobs were chosen for similar reasons. Inside, solid chestnut wood flooring, repurposed from the client's previous home, and antique window frames that the clients already owned, were incorporated, adding personal history and warmth to the interior. The ground floor of the renovated space is primarily dedicated to the atelier, kitchen, and dining area. The strategic placement of the stairwell and variations in ceiling height create an open and fluid layout, allowing for unhindered circulation throughout the space. The second floor features low windows, known as muso-mado, which are traditional Japanese windows with vertical slats. These windows open to the first-floor atelier, facilitating the transmission of atmosphere, sounds, and warm air from the wood stove, thereby creating a unified, open-plan feel across both levels. A distinctive feature of the renovation is the concrete deck in the garden. This deck is engineered to collect a thin layer of water when it rains, transforming it into a reflecting pool. The ripples on the water's surface create dynamic patterns that reflect the architecture, fostering an interactive blend of nature and design. After the rain, it becomes a temporary water basin, mirroring the surrounding trees and natural light, further merging the landscape with the built environment. The renovation successfully preserves the historical integrity of the 90-year-old house while adapting it for contemporary use as a flexible art and gathering space. The design integrates old and new elements thoughtfully, reflecting the passage of time and ensuring the building's relevance for future generations. The project embodies a balance between architectural intervention and environmental harmony, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically integrated with its unique setting. #Kamakura #JapaneseArchitecture #HouseRenovation #AtelierDesign #YakisugiCladding #ConcreteDeck #ReflectingPool #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalHarmony

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

The Xchange Apartment in Kyoto, designed by architecture studio TANK, reimagines traditional Japanese craft techniques to transform a previously "drab" flat into a guesthouse for artists. Principal Naritake Fukumoto drew inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, to create a unique flooring aesthetic. For the living room, Fukumoto intentionally selected a type of cement flooring prone to cracking. Once the cracks naturally formed, a gold-colored epoxy resin was used to fill these imperfections, mirroring the kintsugi philosophy of celebrating the beauty in imperfection rather than concealing it. This innovative application transforms what might typically be seen as a flaw into a deliberate and artistic design element. Beyond the living area, the bathroom and kitchen floors, which are slightly elevated, feature another adaptation of a traditional Japanese craft: lacquerware. Instead of directly applying lacquer, the architect used a layer of fiber-reinforced plastic netting covered with transparent resin. This method creates a translucent yet visually complex texture, revealing the underlying glass-fiber layers over the wooden base. This technique not only achieves a distinctive aesthetic but also provides material strength and waterproofing, essential for these utility areas. The choice of materials and methods in these spaces reflects a conscious effort to integrate local traditions into contemporary interior design. The apartment's overall decor maintains a minimalist approach, featuring white walls and simple furnishings. Exposed concrete beams, subtly marked with paint stains, contribute to the raw, artistic ambiance. Practical design elements are also incorporated, such as a pair of mirrored doors that can be opened to form a private dressing area. Glass doors lead to a narrow balcony, offering residents picturesque views of the nearby Kiyomizu Temple and the surrounding five mountains, connecting the interior space with Kyoto's natural and cultural landscape. The design aims to create an intuitive and creative atmosphere, encouraging residents to explore both the apartment's unique features and the city outside. TANK, a Tokyo-based studio established in 2010, is known for its inventive architectural projects that often play with conventional elements and perceptions of space. Previous works include an apartment where carpet sections double as flip-flops and a home featuring floorboards on the ceiling, demonstrating a consistent innovative and unconventional design philosophy. The Xchange Apartment continues this tradition by integrating traditional Japanese repair and craft techniques into its modern design, highlighting the potential for contemporary spaces to draw depth and character from historical methods. The photography for the project was provided by Kenta Hasegawa, effectively capturing the apartment's distinctive details and overall aesthetic. The project team included Naritake Fukumoto as the architect, with construction handled by LOÖWE and TANK, emphasizing a collaborative approach to realizing this distinctive residential space. #KyotoApartment #KintsugiInspired #JapaneseCraft #ResinFlooring #MinimalistInterior #FiberReinforcedPlastic #GuesthouseDesign #TANKArchitects #TraditionalModernBlend

The Byoubugaura house, designed by Japanese firm Takeshi Hosaka Architects, presents a distinctive approach to residential architecture, camouflaging its unique interactive spaces within a seemingly conventional concrete box and glass facade. The exterior maintains a regular appearance, yet a closer inspection reveals a complex internal structure that challenges traditional spatial perceptions. The residence is structured with a basement level and two floors above ground. The architectural design is characterized by its innovative use of concrete floor plates, which are dramatically curved upwards at both the front and rear facades. This curvature serves a dual purpose: it strategically obstructs direct views into the living areas, enhancing privacy from neighboring structures, and simultaneously creates a unique visual effect where the interior spaces appear sunken below the established structural grid. A key design element is the blurring of spatial distinctions between the different levels. Despite being on separate floors, the curved concrete plates create an illusion of uniformity, making each level feel interconnected and spatially ambiguous. This design choice contributes to an unexpected sense of depth and enclosure within the home. The integration of wooden floors throughout the interior complements the concrete structure by providing warmth and reflecting the indirect natural light that filters into the spaces. This strategic use of materials ensures the home remains livable and inviting, despite its unconventional concrete forms. Further enhancing the home's interactive quality are the four large glass panes on each level. These panels are designed to slide back and forth, offering various open-air configurations and allowing residents to control the flow of natural light and ventilation. This flexibility transforms the living spaces, adapting them to different moods and environmental conditions. A circular staircase, an integral part of the design, slices through the curved floor plate, connecting the levels. This architectural feature not only provides vertical circulation but also exposes a small section of the floor's construction, offering a glimpse into the building's structural ingenuity. The project details highlight the meticulous planning and execution behind Byoubugaura. The structural engineering was handled by Kenji Nawa, with photography by Koji Fujii / Nacasa&Partners Inc. The client for this innovative residence was Toshiyuki Kondo. Located in Yokohama, Japan, the house is constructed from reinforced concrete. It occupies a site area of 65.16 square meters, with a building area of 30.28 square meters, and a total floor area of 90.84 square meters, distributed across the basement, first, and second floors. The building stands at a height of 5494 mm, comprising a basement, first floor, and second floor. The design phase spanned from March 2011 to September 2011, with construction commencing in September 2011 and reaching completion in the spring of 2012. This project exemplifies an architectural exploration of material properties and spatial dynamics, creating a home that is both aesthetically striking and functionally adaptable. #ArchitecturalInnovation #ConcreteDesign #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #TakeshiHosakaArchitects #InteriorDesign #SlidingGlassPanels #SpatialBlurring #ModernHome

Kenzo House, the former residence of renowned Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, is a luxurious, Zen-inspired property nestled within an 18th-century apartment building in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Originally built by Kenzo in 1993, the house underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the V&A Dundee. This 13,778-square-foot, four-story residence, now offered through Christie’s International Real Estate, masterfully blends Eastern and Western influences, much like Takada's own designs. The current owners, a French businessman and his family, acquired the property in 2016 after spending 15 years in Asia, where they admired Kuma's work and his philosophy of connecting architecture with nature. They commissioned Kuma to renovate Kenzo House, maintaining fidelity to Kenzo's original vision of an authentic Japanese house and garden. Kuma, in collaboration with architect Loïk Corre, who worked on Kenzo’s initial plans, reconfigured the layout to enhance harmony and fluidity, integrating the house more closely with its natural surroundings. He achieved this by adding natural Japanese building materials like cedar shingles, teak, clay, ceramic, stone, and bamboo to the exterior, enriching its texture and warmth. Internally, partition walls were replaced with timber slats, and an indoor lap pool was transformed into an _engawa_, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor crafted from wooden latticing. Large interior windows, a floating staircase, and sliding doors were installed, and all bedrooms were oriented to face the courtyard garden, bringing nature into the interior spaces. Kuma's design philosophy, centered on transparency and a deeper connection to nature, is evident throughout the renovation. He emphasizes the use of light and natural materials to create a new kind of transparency, a characteristic of Japanese architecture. The interiors feature sleek and soothing aesthetics, with French oak louvres, beams, and floors complementing the original wood finishes. Key furniture pieces, including Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs in the dining room and Walter Knoll pieces in the living room, were selected to maintain a calm atmosphere. The landscaped Japanese garden is a highlight of the property, perfected by Kuma. It features a stone-studded pond with nishiki carp, a traditional Japanese pavilion with a tea ceremony room, a waterfall, and several outdoor terraces. The careful selection of bamboo, junipers, lichens, mosses, and cherry trees evokes the tranquility of a Japanese landscape. The property now includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Japanese suite opening onto the garden, two large reception rooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, and three self-contained studio apartments for staff. Additional amenities encompass a music room, fitness room, wine cellar, lift, and private parking. Kenzo Takada himself remarked upon returning to his former home that it was “much more Japanese than before, and much more modern,” highlighting its evolution into a living work of art that inspires a Zen lifestyle. #LuxuryLiving #KenzoHouse #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #InteriorDesign #ZenInspired #ChristiesRealEstate #ArchitecturalRenovation

Noesis Architecture & Design has completed KDH2, a two-story residence situated on the periphery of Okayama city, Japan. This project, conceived for an architect and his family, delves into the intricate relationship between internal living areas and the surrounding urban environment. The architectural approach is heavily influenced by the Japanese concept of ‘Ma’, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of space and time. The house is meticulously designed to facilitate a smooth transition between private family zones and the more public aspects of the neighborhood. The design incorporates strategically placed apertures that serve multiple functions. These openings allow for the ingress of indirect natural light, illuminating the interior spaces with a soft, diffused glow. Concurrently, they frame carefully curated views of the adjacent neighborhood and the distant city, thereby strengthening the occupants' sensory and perceptual connection to their external environment. These visual connections also provide subtle glimpses of the family's daily life to the outside world, fostering a sense of community and enhancing human interaction with the surroundings. The KDH2 residence features an open, continuous spatial arrangement that seamlessly links the upper and lower floors. A distinctive element of the second floor is its undulating wooden ceiling, which not only draws the eye towards panoramic views of the city but also instills a feeling of stability and enclosure within the primary family activity area. Through subtle architectural cues rather than physical barriers like doors, various zones within the house are differentiated. This design choice allows family members to maintain an awareness of each other's presence through auditory cues, such as voices and ambient sounds, reinforcing a sense of togetherness within the open layout. An L-shaped floor plan is central to the home's design, ensuring that every room benefits from a direct connection to the garden. This configuration further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating a harmonious and integrated living experience. Noesis Architecture & Design has opted for a palette of simple, enduring materials, including natural wood and stucco. These materials are chosen for their timeless aesthetic and their ability to age gracefully, developing a rich patina over time that symbolizes the accumulation of family memories and experiences within the home. This intentional material selection contributes to the house's organic integration into its environment and its capacity to evolve aesthetically with its inhabitants. #JapaneseArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #FluidSpaces #UndulatingCeiling #IndoorOutdoorLiving #OkayamaHouse #ModernArchitecture #WoodAndStucco

The House in Minohshinmachi, designed by architect Yasuyuki Kitamura, is located in the northernmost part of Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The clients desired a modern aesthetic that incorporated local history and culture while minimizing the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Kitamura responded to these wishes by creating a sustainable home that connects deeply with nature. The single-story dwelling was strategically positioned with its south side facing the road, its east and west sides adjacent to other residential properties, and its north side opening towards a buffer zone for a landslide disaster warning area. This thoughtful placement allowed the structure to blend into the natural landscape without imposing upon it, aligning with the minimalist design philosophy and contributing to lower material and construction costs. The construction utilized conventional methods, primarily wood and structural metals, which facilitated a rapid building period. The house also meets high seismic performance standards, achieving an earthquake-resistance grade three certification. Kitamura's design integrates natural elements into the interior through the use of large pillars that evoke the imagery of trees within a forest. The entire central section of the roof is designed as a series of skylights, ensuring that abundant natural light permeates the living spaces. This design choice not only enhances the connection to the outdoors but also contributes to the home's overall energy efficiency by maximizing daylighting. The home's aesthetic is distinctly modern and minimalist, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and a harmonious blend of materials. Despite its sophisticated design and high performance standards, the House in Minohshinmachi was constructed within a modest budget. It also boasts excellent insulation performance, further contributing to its sustainability. The project has received notable recognition, including the prestigious AZ Award and a selection as a 2021 Architizer A+ Awards Finalist in the Architecture + Living Small/Low Cost Design category. The architect expressed that the project aimed to explore the future of environmental architecture by re-establishing the relationship between a region's unique character and its natural surroundings. Kitamura believes that the resulting structure transcends typical residential performance, feeling more like an integral part of the landscape rather than merely a building situated within it. This approach highlights a commitment to designs that respect and enhance the natural environment. #MinimalistDesign #SustainableArchitecture #JapaneseArchitecture #NatureIntegration #EarthquakeResistant #ModernHome #GreenBuilding #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalInnovation

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

Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien, co-founders of the Japanese clean beauty brand DamDam, embarked on a search for a tranquil weekend retreat near Tokyo. Their initial criteria included proximity to the city, high privacy, and a mountainside location. After a prolonged search, a friend, Naoko Kawamura, introduced them to a 75-year-old property overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. The house, initially dilapidated, held historical significance as it was built by American postwar photojournalist Horace Bristol, known for his work on John Steinbeck’s 'Grapes of Wrath' and for magazines like 'Life,' 'Time,' and 'National Geographic' in the 1950s. Recognizing the challenges of renovating such an old property, especially one situated on protected heritage land, the couple enlisted the expertise of Motosuke Mandai of Mandai Architects. Their vision was to revive the house while preserving its past and integrating modern comforts. A significant part of the renovation involved working closely with the local temple that oversees the protected area to ensure all regulations were met. The couple meticulously retained original elements like wood beams, ceilings, and shoji screens. When original features such as the wood floors or the wood-burning stove could not be salvaged, they were replaced with identical materials to maintain the house's authentic character. The entrance to the home functions as both an entryway and a mudroom, where it is customary to remove shoes and don soft house slippers, a Japanese tradition. This space features a Hang-It-All coatrack by Eames for Herman Miller, a stool by Timber Crew, and a washi tray by Craig Ancelowitz, both for DamDam Atelier. Artwork includes a calligraphy on canvas by Mikiko Kayama and a wall sculpture by Yuichiro Kobayashi. The living room, a favorite indoor spot for the couple, boasts an Akari 21A pendant light by Isamu Noguchi, an Archimoon Soft table lamp by Philippe Starck for Flos, and Glo-ball table and floor lamps by Jasper Morrison for Flos. The sofa is an N701 modular model from Ethnicraft, complemented by an Airframe coffee table by David Chipperfield for Cassina. This room offers direct views of the sunset over the sea, with garden-facing windows framing the sofa, and features a wood-burning stove for winter warmth. The dining room serves as a dual-purpose workspace. Original shoji screens provide privacy from the north-side bamboo, while the room opens to sea views on the west. This area includes a Flowerpot Verner Panton 1968 pendant light from &Tradition, Series 7 dining chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, and an Airframe dining table by David Chipperfield for Cassina, which was restored with a new walnut-wood top by Timber Crew. Custom shelving by Douguya and an Akari 3x table lamp by Isamu Noguchi further personalize the space, along with washi artwork and a painting by Philippe’s son, James. The kitchen, a beloved space for Philippe, was enlarged by removing an old bathroom, placing it centrally within the home with garden access. To address the lack of natural light, Motosuke Mandai incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows into the traditional ranma (wall panels), creating the illusion of a floating roof and flooding the interiors with sunlight. An engawa, a traditional Japanese hallway, was transformed into a sunroom, enlarged and opened to a seaside deck for sunset aperitifs and gardening activities. This room is furnished with an Akari 1AG table lamp by Isamu Noguchi, an antique rattan table, a vintage lounge chair, and a Malawi chair from Couleur Locale. The decor reflects the multicultural backgrounds of Giselle, who is Filipino, and Philippe, who is French, blending midcentury-modern design, vintage finds, Japanese crafts, and textiles from their travels. The furniture, much of which was crafted by artisans known to them, imbues the home with a personal touch. The only fully enclosed room is the bedroom, which offers a private sanctuary feel, without glass windows on the ranma. The bed frame is by Timber Crew, and the table lamp is the Archimoon Soft by Philippe Starck for Flos. Wood stools designed by Timber Crew for DamDam Atelier complete the room. A large ofuro (bathtub) at the end of the bathroom provides a relaxing space. The interior design blends Japanese architectural elements like sugi-finish floors and preserved pinewood ceilings with a diverse collection of furnishings, embodying an old-world travel museum aesthetic that reflects the owners’ journeys and personal connections. #JapaneseHouse #ZenHideaway #HistoricRenovation #InteriorDesign #TokyoHome #ArchitecturalDesign #MidCenturyModern #MulticulturalDecor #DamDam