HYAD architects builds residence next to historical site in japan

HYAD architects builds residence next to historical site in japan
all images courtesy of motoo nakagawa + HYAD architects

built by japan-based studio HYAD architects, this residence stands on a rectangular lot that stretches long in the east and in the west, adjacent to a historical site that has been developed into a peaceful park within a residential area. to take full advantage of the location, the building is completely closed on the west side, where it faces the street and on the north side which is a vacant lot. on the other hand, it is wide open on the east side, overlooking the park. this composition can shut out the noise and the views from the frontal street, adding privacy to the house. 

an inner courtyard allows light to flow into the interiors

slender pillars were used due to the restrictions the architects faced, framing the building without digging deep into the ground. by using these columns, they connected the rigid structure from east to west and reduced the thickness of the outer walls. the result is a building plan that gives a sense of continuance and openness towards the park, drawing the attention to this historical site. as for the inside areas, when the users move between rooms, they can continue enjoying the green scenery with floor-to-ceiling windows that integrate the exterior with the interior. 

the entrance is a long corridor that opens up into an inner courtyard 

the flooring is a mix between wood and porcelain tiles

the living area is an open space that is composed of the kitchen, dining and living room

eastward view from the living room and dining room through the terrace

floor-to-ceiling windows make the space flow from the interior to the exterior

pieces of kawara (roof tiles) from the nara period (about 1300 years ago) were discovered in the pre-construction 

the ground-floor cabin and the second-floor terrace viewed from the garden

eastward view from the second-floor corridor with glass as walls

northern exterior façade

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom