gabled roof with extended eaves tops hearth architects' hikone house in japan

hearth architects has topped this family house in hikone, japan, with a gabled roof whose extended eaves create a sheltered veranda that acts as a transitional boundary between exterior and interior spaces. designed for a couple and their child, the residence occupies two plots, which results in having two street façades instead of one. facing the north and south roads, the two front elevations of the building respond to the surrounding context accordingly.

all images by yuta yamada

hearth architects has designed the house with two front elevations, each of which facing a different road and enclosing separate functions. the first one, which encloses the living, dining and kitchen area, looks toward the south and features a garden, whose privacy is secured through a concrete wall that defines the perimeter of the plot. topped with a large gable roof that seems to be floating above it, this side incorporates a sheltered veranda area that enables a smooth transition between interior and exterior spaces.

the second elevation, which face the north side, encloses more private areas, including a japanese-style room and a japanese garden, arranged to offer a relaxed atmosphere. inside, common living spaces are located in a double-height open plan space characterized by wooden beams, furniture, and floors. the tranquil interior is complemented by pops of green, found on the velvet couch and planted trees which grown inside the house.

project info:

name: hikone house

architect: hearth architects

location: hikone city, shiga prefecture, japan

main use: private house

structure scale: wooden two-story

site area: 342.21 m2 (103.51 tsubo)

building area: 141.60 m2 (42.83 tsubo)

total floor area: 183.00 m2 (55.35 tsubo)