geometric wooden grid frame supports 'nanto house' by kazuto nishi architects in japan

settling within the city of nanto, in japan, kazuto nishi architects has realized a small residence that is able to respond to the challenging regional weather conditions. the dwelling incorporates typical architectural elements of the area, to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, while still generating a unique living environment. 

all images courtesy of kazuto nishi architects

the project sits on a site that exhibits typical japanese seaside climate: annual sunshine levels are low while precipitation is high, with snow cover usually exceeding 1 meter. one of the first things that caught the attention of kazuto nishi architects was the presence of a carport, installed in most local houses, to protect them from heavy snowfall. drawing inspiration from this element, the kazuto nishi team has incorporated it within the design. 

the roofing with the distinct eaves resembles the ready-made carports of the neighborhood. the deep eaves composed of folded-plate roofs, and the sealless mortar-finished waist wall raised up to 1.3 m, protect the building from wind, rain, and snow. during heavy snowfall, the waist wall sinks in the snow, and the wooden frame and roof rise impressively in the pure white scenery. ‘we are accepting the monsoon, sunshine, and scenery in our buildings, and are exploring ways to live together with the environment’ the architects explain. 

the building employs a wooden frame structure and is completed with simple concrete volumetry. the frame grid is also composed of 2.7m, which is calculated from the standard size of the carport, and the frame of the large roof that is gently lifted blends into the surrounding scenery. this frame structure is repeatable indefinitely and has the potential as a reproducible model of housing design in the area.

project info:

name: nanto house
architecture office: kazuto nishi architects
location: nanto, toyama, japan

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.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom