N.A.O completes symmetric, single-story 'house-W' with all-wood interior in japan

N.A.O has built the symmetric, single-story ‘house-W’ on a 300sqm site, located in an industrial area of hadano city, kanagawa prefecture, japan. due to the surrounding spatial conditions, the residence is designed with an extra-high ceiling height, which ensures enough privacy while benefiting from plenty of natural light, thanks to a series of small consecutive windows on its façade. based on the client’s request, the japanese architecture practice has developed the project as a simple, comfortable living environment characterized by an all-wood, spacious interior.

all images by shinichi hanaoka

N.A.O has designed ‘house-W’ based on three main principles: ‘site conditions’, ‘surrounding environment’, and ‘simple operation’. the residence occupies two 150sqm plots in an industrial area of hadano city, which required careful consideration of its connection to the surrounding buildings and roads. in order to secure enough privacy for the interior, the height of the single-story house is doubled, while a series of small windows on the façade, placed on the top end of the walls, makes sure enough natural light enters the interior.

set at a height that blocks the line of sight from the exterior, the consecutive windows bring plenty of light inside, contributing to the comfortable living atmosphere of the house. the windows are placed on the building’s front façade, which encloses a piano room, as well as a bedroom and a children’s room. at the center of the house, common living areas, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen, benefit from the double ceiling height and additional daylight. the back side of the house features rooms that do not require much lighting, such as the entrance, bathroom, and storage.

N.A.O has finished the interior of the house in hickory wood flooring, which is durable and sturdy, so that the owner won’t have to worry about damages and scratches. the walls and ceiling are clad in structural plywood, topped with a layer of off-white paint that leaves the grains of the wood visible. as such, scratches and stains are less noticeable, while it’s possible to easily repaint the wood in case of damage.