komagata house by chisato iiyama supports butterfly roof

komagata house by chisato iiyama supports butterfly roof
all images courtesy of iiyamachisato architects

design by the architects at chisato iiyama, the komagata house accommodates an elderly couple who frequently has family, friends and their grandchildren around. located in maebashi city in japan, the structure supports a distinctive butterfly roof which translates into the form of the interior ceiling. the dwelling resides in a neighborhood  surrounded with greenery, open space and fresh air and the architecture takes advantage making a connection between the inside and the outside as much as possible. despite the contemporary exterior, the walls have low partitions and the internal layout uses aesthetics of the traditional japanese house illustrated in the tatami flooring, sliding paper doors and open layout.

the house is wrapped with an outdoor patio area

the ventilation of the house is designed to be very efficient due to the unique form of the ceiling where the reverse gradient allows the air to flow directly into the interior and even during the winter months the room temperature is around 17 degrees without the heating on. the nature infused architecture hopes to enhance the life expectancy of the inhabitants whilst the characteristic natural form of the house sits well with garden, patio landscape. 

open and simple timber interior 

wall partitions are low and the form of the butterfly roof translates into the sloping ceiling

lounge and dining area

spaces open up to the garden outside

rooms with tatami flooring and sliding paper paneled doors

the exterior lit up in the evenings