Dual native-filled courtyards form the centrepiece of this new Japanese-style build

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

This article presents the 'House in Tama' project, designed by Cheng Hao Chung Architect, located on the border of Kanagawa and Tokyo, Japan. The house is situated on the southern slope of a hill, offering ample sunlight and a clear atmosphere, despite being in a dense residential neighborhood. The design approach for this 116 square meter residence, completed in 2024, focused on integrating with the natural topography and maximizing light and views while ensuring privacy and comfort for the inhabitants. The architectural concept emphasizes a multi-layered structure that adapts to the sloping site. The design creates a sequence of distinct yet interconnected spaces, each with its own relationship to the exterior environment. The architects utilized a combination of concrete, wood, and glass as primary materials, contributing to both the structural integrity and the aesthetic of the house. Concrete provides a robust foundation and defines the main volumes, while wood introduces warmth and texture in interior finishes. Large glass panels are strategically placed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to penetrate deeply into the living areas and offering framed views of the surrounding landscape and the distant Buddhist cemetery. A key aspect of the design is the careful consideration of the site's unique characteristics. The building form responds to the contours of the hill, creating a stepped profile that minimizes its visual impact and blends with the terrain. The internal layout is organized to take advantage of the southern orientation for optimal sunlight exposure and to create a comfortable microclimate within the house. The use of varied ceiling heights and spatial configurations contributes to a dynamic and engaging living experience, moving from more intimate, enclosed areas to expansive, open-plan zones that facilitate family interaction and entertaining. The project involved collaboration with structural engineer Jun Yanagimuro and constructor Sekkeikomu. The construction process highlighted attention to detail in material selection and craftsmanship, aiming for a durable and aesthetically pleasing outcome. The interior spaces feature a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the quality of materials and the interplay of light and shadow to define the atmosphere. The design includes functional elements such as a modern kitchen, comfortable living areas, and private bedrooms, all designed with a focus on usability and long-term sustainability. Overall, the House in Tama demonstrates an architectural solution that responds thoughtfully to its context, balancing modern design principles with respect for the natural and cultural landscape. The project showcases how a residential building in a challenging urban-natural interface can achieve both architectural distinction and a high quality of life for its residents through careful planning, material selection, and a strong conceptual vision. The dwelling serves as a contemporary example of Japanese residential architecture, prioritizing light, views, and a harmonious relationship with its immediate surroundings. #ResidentialArchitecture #JapaneseArchitecture #ModernDesign #SlopingSite #NaturalLight #Concrete #Wood #Glass #UrbanIntegration #SustainableDesign

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

In northern Italy's Piedmont region, a distinctive modernist pavilion stands as a contemporary interpretation of a castle, enveloped by its own body of water and accessible via a drawbridge. This architectural marvel, designed by Duilio Damilano of Damilano Studio, sought to create a secluded oasis, blending Italian luxury with the serene aesthetics of a Japanese Zen garden. The client and architect shared a mutual admiration for Japanese design principles, which significantly influenced the project's interior and exterior elements. The exterior of the pavilion features a large garden, conceptualized by landscape gardener Paolo Roagna. This garden draws inspiration from symmetrical Japanese botany, incorporating sculptural Bonsai trees and water features harmoniously alongside indigenous trees and shrubs. The building's perimeter is defined by sculptural metal grid structures on opposing sides. These grids are not merely aesthetic; they provide essential shade during the summer months and are adorned with geometrically positioned square blocks of Fir wood, adding visual depth. The external walls are also crafted from Fir wood, treated with the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, which involves burning the wood to enhance its durability. The single-floor dwelling utilizes pigmented micro cement throughout. Externally, this material is acid-etched to mimic the appearance of natural stone, while the interior surfaces are left smooth. The internal layout is designed to foster continuous interaction with the surrounding natural environment, largely achieved through expansive sliding glass walls. The interiors showcase a thoughtful curation of design pieces, where luxury meets functionality and artistic expression. In the sitting room, a playful ‘Cactus’ coatrack by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello immediately captures attention, positioned near a painting titled ‘Sardinia’ by Andrea Lo Papa. The room also features an enveloping ‘Pack’ sofa by Edra, illuminated by Ingo Maurer’s ‘Lacrime del Pescatore’ lighting. A hand-crafted rug by Mohebban Milano and a collection of wooden sculptures by Austrian artist Daniel Eggli further enrich the space. The dining room offers a contrasting palette to the building's earthy brown tones. It features a gold leaf table, designed by Dilmos Milano, complemented by ‘Ella’ chairs by Jacopo Foggini for Edra, which are described as having soft, gleaming molten amber hues. The ‘Scrigno’ sideboard, with its mosaic mirror shards, adds a deeper luster, reflecting the jewel-toned scheme. Damilano describes these colors as representing the 'earth and territory, warm and material colors.' The kitchen and bathrooms maintain a practical yet refined aesthetic. The kitchen, hand-built in oak by a local carpenter, is designed for industrial efficiency, a material choice echoed in the bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with ‘Origini’ taps by Gessi, ‘I Ching’ towel warmers by Elisa Ossino for Tubes, and sanitary ware by Cielo Ceramiche. In the main bedroom, a burnished dragon motif, painted by artist Riccardo Brotini, adorns the entire back wall, drawing inspiration from Japanese mythology where dragons symbolize cosmic guardianship and control over natural elements. A foldaway bed is integrated into the ceiling, allowing for flexible use of the space, which also connects to the terrace, pool, and gardens through sliding glass doors. The design team's overarching goal was to create a dynamic yet meditative natural experience, with the metal mesh and interlocking wooden blocks forming an optical illusion that changes as one moves around the pavilion. This integration of Italian luxury with Japanese Zen principles culminates in a home that emphasizes well-being and a harmonious connection with its environment. #ModernistPavilion #ItalianLuxury #JapaneseZenGarden #ArchitectureDesign #PiedmontHome #DuilioDamilano #InteriorDesign #ShouSugiBan #LandscapeDesign

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 "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

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosts an eight-acre Japanese garden designed by Hoichi Kurisu, offering visitors a profound connection to nature through traditional Japanese garden practices. Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre highlights the garden's unique ability to transform perception across seasons, even when covered in snow, encouraging introspection and renewal through ancient design principles. The garden, inspired by Frederik Meijer's early 2000s trip to Japan, was a five-year collaborative effort with Kurisu and recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Winter provides a distinct experience within the garden, characterized by a profound quietness. The tranquil, snow-covered landscape emphasizes the garden's underlying structure, with boulders and rocks painted white, cold-hardy bamboo standing tall, and softly trickling water features. This stripped-back aesthetic embodies 'wabi-sabi,' celebrating imperfection, simplicity, and subtle beauty. In Japanese tradition, winter is seen as a time to appreciate the garden's bones and structure, with snow viewed as another form of blossoming, representing 'mujō' or impermanence, akin to the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. As spring arrives, the garden quickly bursts with color. The initial flush of chartreuse green leaves offers a stark and joyful contrast to the dark stems of trees. Conifers form the garden's structural backbone, providing evergreen color year-round and serving as iconic elements shaped through 'niwaki' pruning. This artful technique creates exaggerated, airy, and asymmetrical silhouettes, mimicking natural forces. The garden also features a vast bonsai collection displayed from spring to fall, including acers, pines, and flowering varieties like azaleas, showcasing sculptural pruning on a smaller scale. Spring unfolds with 'ephemeral waves of bloom,' starting with flowering cherry blossoms in late April along the Cherry Tree Promenade, symbolizing transient beauty. This is followed by serviceberry, vibrant azaleas, and water lilies, ensuring continuous floral displays throughout the growing season. In autumn, Japanese maples of various shapes and sizes transform the landscape with fiery hues of orange, red, and yellow, extending the garden's colorful journey. The garden integrates traditional Japanese structures, such as a teahouse, which was constructed in Japan from authentic materials, dismantled, and reassembled in Michigan. The teahouse, with its hand-bent copper roof and traditional tatami mats, offers an accessible space for tea ceremonies ('sadō' or 'chadō'). These ceremonies, deeply rooted in Zen Buddhist philosophy, promote mindful reflection and connection. The garden also includes a 'karesansui' or zen garden, a dry gravel garden where horticulturists create intricate patterns with traditional Japanese rakes, forming a living artwork that changes with the seasons and represents natural elements. Water is a central element, with the main pond's 'kanji' shape symbolizing the spiritual heart. Islands and a network of bridges guide visitors, always keeping the water in sight. A viewing hill provides panoramic views of the garden and pond. The water symbolizes renewal and purification, offering a space for meditation and introspection. Four waterfalls, representing masculine and feminine energies, create sensory sound and movement. The garden's integration of centuries-old tradition with modern art, including permanent sculptures that embody humanity's connection to nature, creates a timeless living masterpiece. Hoichi Kurisu's design intentionally guides visitors through varied spaces, from intimate pathways to expansive views, fostering new discoveries and a deeper appreciation for nature's asymmetrical balance. Visitors can incorporate elements like asymmetry, water features, and embracing the winter garden into their own outdoor spaces to create tranquil moments. #JapaneseGarden #GardenDesign #Horticulture #CulturalHub #ZenGarden #Teahouse #SeasonalBeauty #Bonsai #LandscapeArchitecture

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

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

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

The SJ building, designed by Takao Shiotsuka Atelier, is a three-story reinforced concrete structure situated in Saiki, Oita Prefecture, Japan. This unique complex houses a wine shop, a canteen, and two residential units (the owner's house and the grandmother's house) stacked vertically. Its distinguishing feature is an innovative outdoor concrete ramp that serves as the primary means of vertical circulation, linking all floors and spaces without any internal stairs. The project is deeply rooted in the historical context of its location, an intersection leading to a shrine approach in Saiki city, where a liquor store traditionally operated. The ground-floor wine shop continues this legacy, fostering a strong connection with the local community. The canteen, strategically placed within the building, caters to elderly visitors of nearby hospitals, highlighting the building's role in serving the broader community. Takao Shiotsuka Atelier's design philosophy for the SJ building emphasizes creating an open relationship both within its interior spaces and with its external surroundings. The decision to implement an outdoor spiral ramp, rather than internal staircases, is central to this vision. As occupants and visitors ascend or descend the ramp, they are presented with continuously changing views of the historic castle town, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. This architectural choice not only facilitates movement between the disparate functional areas but also integrates the building with its urban landscape. The varying heights along the ramp introduce diverse floor and ceiling levels within the interior spaces. This volumetric manipulation results in rooms with distinct characteristics, each offering unique perspectives and connections to the outside environment through strategically placed openings. The building's design ensures that it interacts meaningfully with the four surrounding streets, effectively extending the existing shrine approach and an adjacent alleyway through the continuous flow of the ramp. Despite the distinct functions of the wine shop, canteen, and two residences, the building is conceived as a cohesive entity. The architect suggests that the layered structure, though functionally separate, can be viewed as a single, organically linked house due to the interconnectedness of its residents' lives facilitated by the shared circulation. The SJ building is a testament to how thoughtful architectural design can blend commercial, community, and residential functions into a harmonious, vertically integrated space, enhancing both internal user experience and external urban engagement. The project was structurally designed by Hirohide Tao and occupies a lot size of 158 square meters. #TakaoShiotsukaAtelier #SJBuilding #JapaneseArchitecture #ConcreteConstruction #OutdoorRamp #MixedUseBuilding #ResidentialArchitecture #RetailDesign #CommunitySpace #UrbanIntegration

The former residence of the late Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, known as The Kenzo House, is currently on the market through Christie's Real Estate. Located in the Bastille area of Paris, the four-story home was originally constructed by Takada in 1993 within the courtyard of an 18th-century Parisian building. Takada, who founded his eponymous label in Paris, sought to create a living space that harmoniously blended Eastern and Western design aesthetics, reflecting his own cultural background and artistic vision. The initial design of the house, which took seven years to complete, aimed to incorporate elements reminiscent of Japan, providing a tranquil contrast to the vibrant Parisian atmosphere that inspired his fashion work. The property underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma's architectural philosophy, focused on a “frame of nature,” guided the renovation, emphasizing the integration of natural materials and light to foster a deeper connection with the environment. Kuma's redesign utilized organic Japanese building materials such as ceramic, stone, bamboo, and various types of wood, aligning with his belief that these materials enhance the experience of nature within architectural spaces. He championed transparency as a characteristic of Japanese architecture, employing light and natural elements to achieve a distinctive form of visual and atmospheric clarity within the home. The Kenzo House features an expansive layout including four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a music room, a fitness room, a study, an elevator, and staff studio apartments. A central aspect of the property's appeal lies in its meticulously designed outdoor spaces. The garden includes a stone pond inhabited by nishiki carp, and extensive landscape gardens featuring cherry trees, maple trees, bamboos, moss, rocks, and waterfalls, all crafted to evoke the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese landscape. A key element of Kuma's redesign involved reorienting each bedroom to face the garden, visually and materially framing the house with nature. The property also boasts a Japanese pavilion with a traditional tea-ceremony room, complete with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, opening directly onto the koi pond. Further incorporating Japanese design, a terrace with an outdoor lap swimming pool was converted into an engawa, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor made of wooden latticing, providing a covered outdoor dining and entertaining area with lush green foliage. An elegant stone bathtub offers panoramic views of the Parisian rooftops, contributing to the sense of luxury, peace, and pleasure envisioned in the home's design. #KenzoTakada #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #LuxuryHomes #HomeDesign #EasternWesternFusion #ArchitecturalRenovation #GardenDesign

Ryuji Yamashita Architects has designed a two-story residence in Hokkaido, Japan, for a family with four children, emphasizing connection and interaction among siblings while still providing individual private spaces. The design incorporates open floor layouts and timber accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A central playroom on the first floor serves as the primary meeting point, linking all four children's rooms. This common area is intentionally designed to foster a sense of togetherness, preventing the potential isolation that separate private rooms might otherwise create. To enhance the playful nature of the space, a 70 cm height difference exists between the bedrooms and the common playroom, necessitating steps at each entry point from the ground floor and from each child's room. The architect integrated thoughtful features to encourage ongoing interaction. A large window provides ample natural light to the playroom, and two types of openings further reinforce familial bonds. Glass tiles are strategically placed within the wooden flooring outside the private rooms, creating a visual connection between the two floors and allowing light to filter through. Additionally, each child's room features a small window positioned just above their desk. When these windows are open, the first floor transforms into a large, integrated study area, facilitating direct interaction and collaboration among the siblings. This innovative design offers a flexible environment that adapts to the children's needs for both privacy and shared experiences. The 'With four children' house, completed in October 2021, measures 69.56 sqm for the building area and 125.65 sqm for the total floor area. The project was constructed by Kobayashi Shoten Co., Ltd, with photography by Ikuya Sasaki. This architectural approach by Ryuji Yamashita aims to transcend the traditional binary of private versus large rooms or individual versus group settings. Instead, it seeks to establish a dynamic space where family members can connect through various senses of distance, offering a balance between personal retreat and collective engagement. The design prioritizes the development of strong sibling relationships through carefully considered architectural elements that promote both visual and interactive connectivity within the home. #RyujiYamashitaArchitects #JapaneseArchitecture #FamilyHomeDesign #SiblingBonds #PlayroomDesign #OpenConceptLiving #TimberAccents #Hokkaido #ResidentialArchitecture

The Fukuoka-based design firm Case-Real, led by Koichi Futatsumata, has successfully transformed a traditional Japanese storehouse, known as a 'kura,' into a contemporary and highly versatile multi-functional work-live space. This project was conceived to address the growing demand for spaces that seamlessly integrate professional and personal lives, particularly for creative individuals. The owners, a creative director in food design and a gallerist specializing in Japanese craft, required a space that could accommodate their diverse professional needs, from hosting art exhibitions to conducting tea ceremonies, while also serving as a comfortable living environment. The converted property is located in Gosho-Higashi, a tranquil area nestled between Kyoto Gyoen and the Kamo River. The design incorporates a white structure that houses the primary office area, complementing the traditional kura, which was repurposed as a gallery to display pottery and everyday tools. Futatsumata's vision was to create a harmonious environment where the clients' varied professions could coexist and even influence each other, a concept deeply rooted in the inherent adaptability of traditional Japanese residences. The aesthetic of the space is characterized by a refined color palette of plums, browns, and creams, establishing a warm and inviting atmosphere. A key functional element is the inclusion of movable screens, which allow for dynamic adjustments to room sizes, offering flexibility for different activities and gatherings. This design choice underscores the adaptability that was central to the project's brief. To achieve the unique blend of urban Japanese style and traditional Zen aesthetics, Case-Real collaborated with local artisans. For the tearoom, bespoke furniture was crafted by Koichi Touji and Yuji Yamamoto, resulting in a custom six-seater counter designed to fit the room's specific dimensions. Architectural lighting specialist Shoji Hiroyasu was engaged to implement tastefully concealed down-lighting, further enhancing the serene and sophisticated ambiance. Futatsumata highlights that the project's success in balancing multiple functions stems from embracing the inherent spatial continuity found in traditional Japanese architecture. This approach allowed for a design where each functional area within the house harmoniously coexists, providing the owners with an elegant, adaptable, and inspiring environment that supports both their professional endeavors and personal lives. #JapaneseArchitecture #LiveWorkSpace #StorehouseConversion #InteriorDesign #ModernWorkspace #KoichiFutatsumata #CaseReal #KyotoDesign #TraditionalMeetsContemporary

Perched atop a hill in Echo Park, Los Angeles, a two-bedroom, one-bathroom Mid-Century Modern bungalow underwent a comprehensive renovation to transform it into a serene sanctuary. The property, owned by Sue Chan, a food and beverage multi-hyphenate, required significant structural retrofitting due to its steep hillside location, along with a full gut remodel of its interiors and a roof replacement. The architecture and design firm Only Way Is Up (OWIU), led by Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, spearheaded the project with the goal of creating a space that served both as an ideal home office and a tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Chan, who frequently travels between New York and Los Angeles, desired a home that encapsulated the essence of Los Angeles while maintaining a curated environment for work and calm. To achieve this vision, the designers drew heavily from Japanese design principles, integrating elements such as shoji screens and raised platforms to cultivate a meditative atmosphere within the home and a newly constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Rather than expanding the main house, which would have been cost-prohibitive, a separate unit was built on the property to function as a dedicated office and ADU. This strategic decision provided additional functional space without compromising the original structure. The design philosophy also embraced the natural beauty of the surrounding Echo Park hills, using the landscape as a constant source of inspiration. The interior layout was meticulously planned to facilitate seamless flow, particularly for entertaining. The design team maximized the connection between indoor and outdoor areas, linking the kitchen to the living room and extending it to a deck that offers panoramic views of the hills. This integration makes the space feel considerably larger and introduces unique architectural elements throughout the house. The living room, in particular, was conceived to blend indoor and outdoor living harmoniously, providing ample space for hosting and bathing the interior in natural light. The kitchen, a collaboration with Reform, features a slanted skylight that ensures an abundance of natural illumination, complemented by cedar and oak wood finishes that impart warmth to the space. The bedroom is designed as a private sanctuary, incorporating a shoji screen for privacy and situated on a subtly raised platform, signaling it as a space for retreat without disrupting the open floor plan. An earthy, minimal aesthetic ties these spaces together, prioritizing comfort and functionality. A curved walkway connects the main house to the detached office/ADU, serving both as a practical path and an artistic introduction to the property’s natural elements, showcasing lush greenery and hilltop vistas. The office/ADU mirrors the aesthetic of the main house, featuring cedar-clad siding and oak finishes that create visual harmony. Inside, a raised platform and a picture window frame the surrounding trees, enhancing the sense of retreat and connection to nature. This separate unit was designed as a sanctuary for focused work, maintaining distinct functionality while remaining cohesive with the overall design. Despite challenges, such as integrating the new structure with existing trees, the OWIU team creatively incorporated the natural environment, even creating small holes in the fencing to accommodate branches, ensuring the trees' health and the design's integrity. The result is a home that balances a serene retreat with an ideal space for entertaining and work, reflecting the best of Los Angeles living. #MidCenturyModern #HilltopBungalow #LosAngelesHome #ZenSanctuary #HomeRenovation #JapaneseDesign #ADU #IndoorOutdoorLiving #EchoPark #ArchitecturalDesign

The Mirikaroden Nakagawa Cultural Complex, designed by Furumori Koichi architectural design studio, is a renovation project in Nakagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The facility integrates a public library, a multi-purpose hall, and a lifelong learning center, serving as a significant civic and community hub. The architectural design was led by Koichi Furumori, Kohei Hashisako, and Kenichi Anai, with structural engineering provided by Fukuoka Kozo and additional engineering by Tokyo Denki University, Sasatani Laboratory. The project, completed in 2025, covers an area of 8843 square meters. This project addresses a contemporary perspective on the role of libraries and cultural complexes, moving beyond traditional functions to create dynamic, interconnected spaces that foster community engagement and diverse activities. The design of the Mirikaroden Nakagawa Cultural Complex emphasizes creating an environment that supports varied learning experiences, community interaction, and cultural activities. The integration of a library, a multi-purpose hall, and a lifelong learning center within a single complex reflects a modern approach to public infrastructure, where facilities are designed to be versatile and cater to a broad spectrum of age groups and interests. The strategic location within the city, surrounded by complementary amenities like a children's center and an indoor swimming pool, further enhances its accessibility and utility as a central gathering place. The renovation aimed to modernize the facility while maintaining its core purpose of serving the community. Architectural choices, such as the prominent use of wood in the interior, contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wood is utilized for various elements, including shelving, seating, and other design features, promoting a sense of comfort and natural aesthetics. Lighting design plays a crucial role in enhancing the ambiance, with thoughtful integration to illuminate spaces effectively and create different moods for various functions. The interior photography highlights areas like the entrance, library zones (including magazine corners, kids' gardens, and silent rooms), and the lifelong learning center, showcasing how light and materials are combined to define each space's character. The project incorporates diverse functional zones within the library, such as an information desk, a knowledge garden, and a dedicated teens' garden, indicating an effort to tailor spaces to specific user needs and age demographics. The presence of a cafe within the complex suggests an emphasis on creating a comfortable, social environment beyond mere academic or cultural pursuits. The multi-purpose hall is designed to accommodate a range of events, adding to the complex's versatility. Conceptual diagrams and layout drawings provide insight into the spatial organization and the architectural vision behind integrating these distinct functions harmoniously. Overall, the Mirikaroden Nakagawa Cultural Complex exemplifies a contemporary architectural response to the evolving needs of public cultural institutions. It aims to be more than just a repository of books or a venue for events, but rather a holistic environment that encourages lifelong learning, community bonding, and cultural enrichment through its thoughtful design and integrated facilities. The emphasis on natural materials, strategic lighting, and varied functional spaces supports its role as a dynamic community asset in Nakagawa City. #CulturalComplex #LibraryDesign #LifelongLearningCenter #ArchitecturalRenovation #JapaneseArchitecture #CommunityHub #WoodArchitecture #IntegratedFacilities #PublicSpace