FORM designs house for a photographer with a windowless steel façade

FORM’s ‘house for a photographer’ is located along an arterial road that runs through the countryside of shiga, japan. there are private residences in the neighborhood and a grove of the village shrine, surrounding a passage to the temple. the building is made of mortar and galvanized steel sheet which reflects dull light, making it look massive. it is laid out to be accommodated within the L-shaped lot, and stands facing the shrine on the opposite side of the street.

view of FORM’s ‘house for a photographer’ seen from the village shrine
all images © norihito yamauchi

japanese based FORM/kouichi kimura architects‘ ‘house for a photographer’ is to be used as the building owner’s studio and gallery, as well as his residence. the client has requested to unite the studio where he produces his work with his living space. thus, kimura came up with an optimum plan by clarifying how the resident wants to live instead of segmenting the space by function.

west elevation of ‘house for a photographer’ seen from street level

the dim passage from the entrance invites visitors into the innermost space, while guiding them with light thrown from the ceiling of the connected gallery. the gallery clips out a space with the opening to look like an exhibition. its contrasted scale and natural light resonate with each other. the space that quietly inspires a feeling of exaltation among ordinary life also plays a role of a photogenic shooting location.

the gallery quietly inspires a feeling of exaltation among ordinary life

the long thin passage serving as an alley to go around the gallery has other functions than a mere pathway. it is also used as a space to post artworks and photos on the wall. it is beautifully themed with sight switching, different ceiling heights, and shade created by natural light.

the village shrine on the opposite side of the street seen from the gallery

the hall with different floor levels is located at the center of the building and plays a role of a hub which meets with each space. it also incorporates plumbing equipment, a counter, and a staircase, and is connected to an approach from the courtyard, thus not only providing functional comfort but also displaying scenic beauty.

view of the resident’s bedroom from the gallery

FORM’s ‘house for a photographer’ is used as a living space, also offering a dynamic space with proportion and scale that allow it to serve as a photo studio. light coming through the high-side light envelops the room, enabling photo-shooting with natural light. photo-shooting equipment, vintage furniture, musical instrument, and artworks are placed here and there, blending in with the space. it acts in concert with the photographer’s feelings and aesthetic, working as the base to produce new creativity and activities.

the bedroom with a glimpse of the gallery and an approach of the courtyard

the courtyard’s scenic beauty blends in with the ‘house for a photographer’

natural light pouring into the gallery seen from the hall

the client’s photo studio is united with his living space

photo-shooting equipment, vintage furniture, musical instrument, and artworks blend in with the photo studio

view of the entrance from the photo studio, connecting with the rest of the building

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: apostolos costarangos | designboom

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