curved building by jun igarashi architects doubles as sake store and residence in japan

jun igarashi architects‘ corridor of the fold is a building in the city of kitami, hokkaido, japan, that combines the functions of a house and a store. clad in wooden slats, the curved structure resembles the topography of a cove, reflected also in its two-floor interior.

all images by ikuya sasaki

situated in a residential area of kitami, the building is composed of a straight and a curved line that result in a unique form, allowing it to stand out from its surroundings. jun igarashi architects has placed the entrance to the store, which specializes in sake selection, through the courtyard, creating an alley and making it invisible at fist glance.

the curved form continues into the structure’s interiors, which enclose the sake store and living areas for two couples. a large circular counter occupies the ground floor, which guides visitors through the shop from display to purchase, while the plan is repeated on the second floor where the program adjusts to the needs of a residence.

project info:

name: corridor of the fold

architect: jun igarashi architects

location: kitami, hokkaido, japan

total floor area: 142.53㎡

main use: shop + house