a 'forest' of pillars brings playful depth to this japanese dwelling by IGArchitects

Igarchitects injects a forested ambiance into this japanese home

A boomerang-shaped dwelling by IGarchitects completes for two families in Japan‘s Fukushima prefecture. Framing a large mountain at the rear and tucked among neighboring houses, the project carefully achieves a balance between privacy from the surroundings and between the families, as well as balance between closed spaces and open views that visually incorporate the natural mountainous backdrop. The Japanese practice adapted to the site layout by organizing the building plan along the back hill, with the south side wide open. The walls block the view from the surroundings, while clerestory windows placed above create the impression of a floating roof. Stepping inside, a large open space appears with ‘boxes’ that enclose private functions like toilets and bathrooms. Meanwhile, slim, wooden pillars that recall a forestscape are displayed amid the interiors, creating depth and playful vantage points. 

all images © Ooki Jingu ​

using wood to create a sense of floating and reconstruction

The team at IGarchitects placed this forest of 90 sqmm pillars at an equal distance of 1.8 meters from each other. Spanning individually 3.5 meters in height, the wooden structures collectively support the roof while offering a visual extension of the greenery outside, simulating an artificial woodland that feels almost natural. As project architect Masato Igarashi explains it, the architecture here attempts to disassemble then reconstruct: ‘The pillars are out of walls, forested as if dancing. The roof is disconnected from the walls, floating freely. The separated elements are united once again in a different form. The displacement and gaps are therefore produced, creating new relationships within the interior space and between the outside and inside of the building.’

a forest of pillars defines this Japanese dwelling by IGArchitects

the pillars are separated at an equal distance of 1.8 meters from each other

simulating a natural woodland

the two-story house accommodates two families in Fukushima

clerestory windows give the impression of a floating roof

bringing depth and playful vantage points to the interiors

IGArchitects divided the different functions into box-like volumes

a balance between closed and open spaces

close-up shot of the pillar distribution

night time view

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project info:

name: Forest of Pillars

location: Fukushima, Japan

architect: IGArchitects / Masato Igarashi

photographer: Ooki Jingu ​
engineer: Yousuke Misaki EQSD
construction: Hakaru Komori Komori Construction company
structure: wood
finishes: Galvalume steel plate, glass

completion year: September, 2023

gross built area: 115.3 sqm