2id architects creates a minimal residence amid a mandarin plantation in japan

in the north of hamamatsu city in japan lies a white, one-story house designed for a family by 2id architects. positioned on the slope of a mountainside, surrounded by a mandarin plantation, ‘house in shiraiwa’ has been developed in a modernist style. however, rather than simply impose a disconnected volume onto the site, the project blends indoor and semi-outdoor space to establish a relationship between nature and the built form. 

all images © toshiyuki yano

constructed over just one level, the center of the floor plan contains the common living, dining and kitchen space. this generous area is expressed by the architect as the social part of the house with large floor-to-ceiling windows, which can open out onto the semi-outdoor pergola area. this open living area is book-ended by the more private functions, including children’s rooms, a master bedroom and bathroom. 

the pergola-covered deck, which is inspired by traditional japanese engawa, offers a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environment. this space allows residents to spill out from the main living area to enjoy fresh air and unobstructed views of the surroundings. the pergola is designed with a complex striped pattern that creates changing shadows with the passing sunlight throughout the day and year, giving a sense of time, like one large sundial. these diagonal elements of the pergola also provide functionality as they help to reinforce its structure.

house in shiraiwa takes its name from a type of white stone that was historically mined from a local quarry. many of the existing buildings incorporate this stone as a construction material. with this in mind, and with the aim of relating to the surrounding context, the new intervention by 2id architects
 utilizes a scraping finish for the exterior wall, which is applied to the local rock. this continues to the interior wall to visually connect inside and out. 

bespoke terrazzo tiles, inspired by features of the local environment, such as mandarins and stone, were designed and applied to the floor of the toilet. this subtle touch, in addition to the white stone elevations, has been specifically incorporated to help embed the new intervention into the local vernacular, while keeping an element of modernism.

ground floor plan

site section

project info:

project name: house in shiraiwa

location: hamamatsu city, japan

architect: tsukasa okada / 2id architects



floor area: 1173 ft2 (109 m2
)

photography: toshiyuki yano

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: lynne myers | designboom