masahiko sato of architect show highlights timber detailing in N8 house in japan

masahiko sato of architect show highlights timber detailing in N8 house in japan
photography by toshihisa ishii
all images courtesy of masahiko sato / architect show

located in omura city in nagasaki, japan, masahiko sato of architect show has completed the ‘N8 house’. the horizontal structure was developed around providing a private and safe home for the family who resides within, and at the same time, offering a comfortable environment suited for their day-to-day activities. a strong feature of the design is the play of light, where depending on the time of day, different elements of the construction is highlighted.

wood is a material used widely throughout, evoking a warm atmosphere. starting from the covered timber entrance to the living room and leading the eye to the open courtyard- establishing a fluid relationship between the interior and exterior. like many japanese properties, tatami has been used in various rooms and the façade creates the illusion that there are no set floors but in reality, there are two and the bedrooms based on the upper level.

from the outside there is no distinction of the interior levels

looking into the lounge

light is entered from both sides

a interior courtyard

room with tatami

timber clad entrance

during the night, different elements are highlight

N8 house at night