ALTS design office's iwakura house is an evolving dwelling in kyoto

japan-based ALTS design office completes its iwakura house along a quiet residential neighborhood in kyoto‘s sakyo-ward. the new construction stands as the replacement of the pre-existing building on the lot which the team had demolished. the former building stood as a three-story structure, and as it had been surrounded by low-rise housing, the third floor presented the perfect perch to enjoy an open view. the client sought a dwelling that likewise took advantage of this view, lending to the proposed design which housed the living room along the third and uppermost floor.

images courtesy of ALTS design office

ALTS design office curates its iwakura house to highlight the sweeping mountain views across both the northern and the southern sides of the site. with the primarily low-rise residential fabric of the neighborhood, the third floor of the house even offers views of fireworks displays during the summer. the design team ensured that each window frames these views outward, and integrated such details as window-seat to connect the inside and outside. a bay window facing north opens up the interior and functions as part of the kitchen space. with these occupiable openings, the kitchen and the living room have a more direct connection with their surroundings, creating open and comfortable space.

ALTS design office organizes its iwakura house as a flexible, adjustable space that could adapt to any future lifestyle, without fixed individual rooms. the team explains: ‘the client is in her twenties, and her future family structure is unknown. the client works online at home, and thus creating comfortable work spaces around the house was necessary.’ the first floor expresses concrete floors and a two story room, and functions as an open space connected to the outdoor space. this area is perfect for inviting friends, having pets, and enjoying hobbies. in the future, the client can alter the layout, creating cloistered rooms based on the needs of the moment. the house fits the site conditions as well as a changing everyday life, and thus continually evolving together with the client.