kikkawa architects + hisashi ikeda architects open house in atsugi to the japanese countryside

kikkawa architects + hisashi ikeda architects open house in atsugi to the japanese countryside
all images © kikkawa architects / hisashi ikeda architects

located in the outskirts of atsugi city and away from the hectic cosmopolitan landscape, kikkawa architects have re-built a contemporary farmhouse in the countryside. the client’s family has established an agricultural business for many years and the aim was to build a residence that would relate to the past and the present.

the house is based on a quiet and secluded area

the house in atsugi displays a simple and archetypal shape derived from the memory of the old thatched farm building the owners lived in when they were young. inside, the open-plan room with a ceiling height of 4.8 meters is designed as an extension to the landscape. this is emphasized by the 12.6 meter windows seen on both sides of the dwelling. wood is the primary material used to give the interiors the welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. additionally, a feature of the interior design is the fact that the rooms can be freely divided due to the sliding doors – giving the owners freedom of choosing how open or confined they want to be.

the high pitch of the ceiling emphasizes the feeling of space and openess

sliding doors open up to the agriculture fields

traditional japanese home features can be seen throughout the dwelling

the shape references the traditional thatched structures that existed before

‘we re-built a modern farmhouse in harmony with nature, aiming to create a pleasant house.’ – kikkawa architects

house in atsugi at night