rhythmdesign composes house in tomigusuku in japan

rhythmdesign composes house in tomigusuku in japan
photo by koichi torimura
all images courtesy of rhythmdesign

located on the island prefecture of okinawa, japan, rhythmdesign has completed the ‘house in tomigusuku’, which is distinguished from its semi-urban context as a three storey rectilinear volume with regularly spaced openings across the façades. the structure features a concrete shell with wood interiors, which create soft and tactile indoor environments. each void in the monolithic building is capped with a standardized horizontal shade, while windows are sized small enough for operation by the family’s child.

the monolithic volume contrasts its context in okinawa
photo by koichi torimura

the design references traditional japanese architectural principles. hinpun is a free-standing wall, which blocks views from the outside and distinguishes the dwelling from the street. amahaji is a large space under expressed eaves. the ‘house in tomigusuku’ reinterprets these elements, with the basic concept of blocking out intense levels of environmental impact, while also allowing for operability to invite pleasant weather conditions to enter.

evenly spaced openings in the envelope contain doors and operable windows
photos by koichi torimura

the interior is distinguished by their exposed wood joist ceilings
photo by koichi torimura

the windows are sized small enough for operation by the family’s child
photo by koichi torimura

wood finishes and accents create soft and tactile indoor environments
photos by koichi torimura

photos by koichi torimura

the interiors are consistently treated with minimal detailing
photos by koichi torimura

the kitchen, dining area, and living room are united in a large open space
photo by koichi torimura

photos by koichi torimura

project info:

location: tomigusuku, okinawa pref., japan
dates: april 2011 – july 2013
type of project: single family house
status: built
site area: 166 sqm
building area: 64 sqm
gross internal floor area: 192 sqm
structure: reinforced concrete
architect: rhythmdesign
project architect: kenichiro ide
design team: kenichiro ide, yuta kinai
structural engineers: kuroiwa structural engineers
lighting consultant: modulex fukuoka
main contractor: IMI corporation
photography: koichi torimura