dai nagasaka / méga: yamaga

‘yamaga’ by dai nagasaka / méga in kyoto, japanimage © nagaishi hidehiko all images courtesy dai nagasaka / méga

japanese architecture practice dai nagasaka / méga has sent us images of ‘yamaga’, a restaurant and private residence in kyoto, japan. situated on a long and narrow site bound on both sides by neighbouring buildings, the layout utilizes a buffering courtyard to define the different zones of the design. 

restaurant street facade image © nagaishi hidehiko

working with the pre-existing counter layout of the restaurant, the project maintains a linear organization of the interior. the width of the space fluctuates to create intimate pockets of seating and dining. dark-stained wood and paneling dominate the atmosphere of the space while a contrasting western wall made out of mortar highlight the length of the restaurant. corners are curved to further visually extend the sense of space.

interior view of bar space image © nagaishi hidehiko

seating image © nagaishi hidehiko

visible from the dining space of the restaurant is a japanese-style room beyond the separating courtyard. in addition to acting as a buffer zone between the two areas, the spatial void draws in natural daylight for both interiors. a set of stairs located on the south end of the plan leads up to the family’s living/dining/ kitchen area. the courtyard is once again used as a three-dimensional layer of separation with an outdoor terrace bridging between the communal programs and the bedrooms on the second level. in contrast with the restaurant, the residence is completed with light-coloured wood paneling and finishes.

mortar wall image © nagaishi hidehiko

view of courtyard from restaurant image © nagaishi hidehiko

courtyard image © nagaishi hidehiko

dining and kitchen from the bridging terrace image © nagaishi hidehiko

japanese style room on the ground floor image © nagaishi hidehiko

washroom image © nagaishi hidehiko

facade of residence image © nagaishi hidehiko

night view from street image © nagaishi hidehiko

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

longitudinal section

project info:

principal use: restaurant + private housing site area: 135.14 m2 building area: 103.53 m2 total floor area: 191.15 m2storeys: 2 main construction: wood