arbol design cuts courtyards into otori house

arbol design cuts courtyards into otori house
all images courtesy of arbol design

arbol design has created ‘house in otori,’ a small, two-story wooden structure located in osaka, japan. in accordance with the client’s wishes, the spatial theme of the residence is that privacy, security, and comfortable living areas are combined with airy and bright rooms. to provide these amenities, the architects encircled the whole exterior with silver galvalume, an aluminum-zinc alloy that prevents rust, cracking, peeling, and corrosion.

facade during the daytime 

the use of the cladding has allowed the built-in garage to be hidden from public view while providing proper ventilation for the interior spaces. for example, the rhythmic intervals between the metal planks as they round the corners of the site negotiate zones by the roadside and courtyards, where only light and air are able to penetrate the façade.

interior view of the garage

bringing more natural brightness into the residence are large open windows surrounding the courtyards. to make the best use of the feature, the floor plans are organized in a way that one straight beam from the sun can scatter and embrace the entire house. thus, inhabitants have the luxury of enjoy the illuminated green spaces from virtually any location throughout the dwelling.

(left): light coming through the galvalume panels at night
(right): looking up through one of the courtyards

views of the entrace

first floor room showing contact with both green spaces

interior spaces are constantly in contact with natural sunlight

dining room

view of the courtyard and dining room during the day

view of the courtyard and dining room at night

façade during the day

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.