kota mizuishi's house in otai has a timber screen that encloses a sheltered outdoor space

in a quiet residential area of kiyosu, in japan’s aichi prefecture, mizuishi architect atelier has completed a two-storey house that provides living accommodation for a young family. the dwelling has been built on an area of land that has belonged to the client’s family for generations, with the northern end of the plot accommodating a separate residence for the owner’s parents.

the east elevation of ‘house in otai’
image by hiroshi tanigawa (also main image)

mizuishi architect atelier, a practice led by kota mizuishi, sought to develop a natural relationship between the two structures — which were to maintain a degree of separation and privacy. ‘my design is an attempt to maintain the garden view between the two homes and to connect the inside living area to its natural surrounding outside,’ explains the architect.

the dwelling is located in a quiet area of japan’s aichi prefecture
image by hiroshi tanigawa

positioned to the south of the site, the new structure features a permeable timber roof and wall that clads the main volume. a sheltered outdoor space between this timber enclosure and the house forms an area referred to as the ‘tori michi’. this double-height space can also be used by the owner’s parents, and has a transparent ceiling that allows natural light to enter.

the two-storey property provides living accommodation for a young family
image by hiroshi tanigawa

the home’s primary living spaces are found on the ground floor, with a large area for cooking, relaxing, and eating. a tatami room and washroom facilities are also provided. two bedrooms, which overlook the adjacent garden, are found at the upper level. ‘it is an important theme to protect the cityscape from piecemeal redevelopment and to create relationships between old and new households,’ explains the architect.

the structure features a permeable timber roof and wall
image by hiroshi tanigawa

a sheltered outdoor space forms an area referred to as the ‘tori michi’
image by hiroshi tanigawa

the double-height space has a transparent ceiling that allows natural light to enter
image by hiroshi tanigawa

the home’s primary living spaces are found on the ground floor
image by hiroshi tanigawa

a large area is provided for cooking, relaxing, and eating
image by hiroshi tanigawa

two bedrooms, which overlook the adjacent garden, are found at the upper level
image by hiroshi tanigawa

the home is surrounded by lush vegetation
image by hiroshi tanigawa

the timber structure illuminated at night
image by hiroshi tanigawa

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project info:

location: kiyosu, aichi, japan
type: residential house
architect: kota mizuishi / mizuishi architect atelier
structural engineer: kentaro nagasaka
lighting designer: nakajima tatsuoki lighting design laboratory inc.
contractor: seiwa-kensetu
photographer: hiroshi tanigawa
site area: 310.92 sqm
building area: 95.17 sqm
total floor area: 108.42 sqm
structure: wood
storeys: 2
design period: december, 2013 – june, 2016
construction period: july, 2016 – february, 2017