ALTS design office conceals kusatsu house behind windowless wall

ALTS design office conceals kusatsu house behind windowless wall
photo by yuta yamada
all images courtesy of ALTS design office

surrounded by neighboring structures, japanese practice ALTS design office has organized a new residential dwelling around a large windowless wall. offering the required privacy, this partition borders a internal pathway, envisioned a secluded area for relaxation, naturally lit by an expansive skylight.

offering the required privacy, the dwelling’s partition borders a internal pathway
photo by yuta yamada

the remainder of ‘kusatsu house’ is arranged around this alley, with open plan living accommodation spread across the home’s lower level. throughout the ground floor, small areas of integrated greenery ensure that the property develops a relationship with the natural environment despite its lack of external views. above, a master bedroom with adjoining balcony is found alongside two rooms for the family’s children and a shared bathroom.

open plan living accommodation is spread across the home’s lower level
photo by yuta yamada

natural timbers are used throughout the design
photo by yuta yamada

the wall borders a internal pathway, envisioned a secluded area for relaxation
photo by yuta yamada

tatami mats are found within the space
photo by yuta yamada

small areas of integrated greenery ensure that the property develops a relationship with the natural environment
photos by yuta yamada

the internal alleyway is lit by a large skylight
photos by yuta yamada

the property is surrounded by overlooking buildings
photo by yuta yamada

‘kusatsu house’ viewed from the passing street
photo by yuta yamada

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project info:

name: kusatsu house
location: shiga/japan
architects firm: ALTS design office
architects member: sumiou mizumoto / yoshitaka kuga
number of storeys: 2
gross area: 116.50 sqm
completed: september, 2014
photographer: yuta yamada