FT architects covers photo studio in japan with asymmetrical roof
photo by shigeo ogawa
all images courtesy of FT architects
japanese practice FT architects has designed and realized a single-volume gable roof photography studio in the garden of their client’s yard in kanagawa, japan. with a floor area measuring 4.5 meters by 7.2 meters, the scheme includes diagonally oriented beams, producing an asymmetrical form that provides higher spaces necessary for photo shoots. on its exterior, the construction is clad in translucent corrugated polycarbonate sheeting, which visually reveals its structural framework. known as ‘light shed’, the luminous space permits desirable ambient daylight through its composition of frosted and clear-glazed windows both within the roof and walls.
corrugated polycarbonate exterior cladding reveals the shed’s structural framework
photo by shigeo ogawa
a single sliding barn door accesses the inside
photo by shigeo ogawa
three robust logs meet at a single vertex to support the asymmetrical gable roof
photo by shigeo ogawa
the space looks out on the surrounding garden
photo by shigeo ogawa
frosted glazing in the roof provides soft daylight desirable for photo shoots
photos by shigeo ogawa
while the design of ‘light shed’ was primarily derived from the pragmatic particularities of a photography studio, the architects also intended to embed symbolic value in the project. the volume’s robust log beams and exposed wood framework reference japanese timber building traditions, while featuring modern sensibilities for contemporary relevance.
photos by shigeo ogawa
the shed occupies the garden of the photographer client’s main house
photo by shigeo ogawa
photo by shigeo ogawa
the floor area measures 4.5 meters x 7.2 meters
photos by shigeo ogawa








project info:
location: kanagawa, japan
completion date: 2014
principal use: photo studio
floor area: 33.12 sqm
structure: wood
architecture: katsuya fukushima, hiroko tominaga / FT architects
photography: shigeo ogawa