hiroshi kinoshita and associates builds concrete house with a small open library in japan

hiroshi kinoshita and associates has built a two-story concrete house in a small town in japan, complete with an open library on the ground floor. designed for a client who has many books and chose the building as a place to keep them and share them with the town, the project is characterized by a ‘fluid’ ground level space where a freeform, pool-like continuous bench in the center recreates the atmosphere of a plaza. the entrance of the building comprises six glass sliding doors that face the large street in front, and draws the attention of passersby without imposing its presence on them. 

all images courtesy of hiroshi kinoshita and associates

hiroshi kinoshita and associates has developed the project with the aim of adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the town, consisting of a river that crosses the neighborhood, and promenades and small parks where residents can take walks or sit down and relax. the two-story concrete building comprises an open, more public ground level complete with concrete floors, ceilings, and bookcases, as well as the freeform bench where people can sit down and read books and relax.

with a simple construction method that utilizes mainly concrete, the japanese architecture studio organized the building with three large rooms, arranged in a free-flowing manner rather than being separated from each other. instead of furniture, the main space of the ground floor features the ‘more architectural’ concrete bench, which enhances the sense of continuity between the rooms and the exterior at the front. the upper level comprises the owner’s home, where different functions are also arranged in a fluid way within the open plan space.

project info:

name: house with a small library

architect: hiroshi kinoshita and associates

location: tottori, japan

construction: reinforced concrete