takuro yamamoto architects: white cave house

takuro yamamoto architects: white cave house
all images courtesy of takuro yamamoto

the carved out volume of ‘white cave house’ by japanese firm takuro yamamoto architects is formed by a series of interconnected voids in the shape of a kinked tube. located in kanazawa city, japan, an area known for heavy snowfall, the white minimal house still features many external spaces. the building’s approach, through a large snow-proof entrance follows along the cave-like tube, which connects this exterior form with the house’s internal functions. a roofed garage for multiple cars, a terrace that is open to the sky and a large courtyard have a direct relationship to the rest of the house due to the ‘white cave.’

the exterior facade from the street with its large cave-like entrance

the void twists through the building from its street entrance, creating a private courtyard for the occupants to enjoy from the living spaces. the open-air features of the courtyard and terrace help to bring light through to the internal spaces, connecting to the outside. the cave also serves as a route to remove snow from these external spaces in the winter. the terrace is covered by a white waterproof membrane that holds a thin layer of water similar to a white basin. the reflection of the water above, the serene interior courtyard and the bold hollow cave result in a house that offers a sense of recluse from the ordinary.

view from the internal courtyard looking back to the entrance

the open air courtyard

roof terrace with water held by a thin waterproof membrane

terrace with a tree

living room looking towards the courtyard

dining and kitchen space has a direct relationship with the exterior courtyard

the white cave house’s minimal interior with sofa, coffee table and concrete bench

bedroom

japanese room

living room at night as viewed from the courtyard

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