shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwana

‘house in kuwana’ by shinobu ichihara architects, kuwana, mie prefecture, japanall images courtesy of shinobu ichihara architects

on a relatively small site in the moderately-dense suburban area of kuwana, japanese practice shinobu ichihara architects built a 72 m2single family residence centered around a large exterior courtyard. considering the spatial constraints inferred by the site, the crux of the project lies in the visual connection of spaces and their disconnected circulation. the idea extends interior views across the house andoffers glimpses into other spaces through voids, openings, and doors, but requires the user to take on a slightly more circuitous path toarrive — effectively creating a greater sense of space. the timber construction allows for an unimposing structure, highlighted by exposedconcrete elements and natural wood flooring and fixtures. ample glazing lets in plenty of natural light, with a privacy wall of pinewood panels along the periphery of the property. the courtyard extends the central interior space as the exterior counterpart to the primarysocial area inside.

street-side elevation

courtyard view

(left) entrance(right) entry hallway

double-height living area

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work space/ den accessible by a ladder

bedroom

night exterior

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

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project info:

type: private residencelocation: mie, japanstructure: woodstories: 2 height: 6.25 msite area: 229.89 m2building area: 71.61 m2total floor area: 101.22 m2design period: october, 2010 – august, 2011construction period: september, 2011 – march, 2012