nakahira architects angles rice-cake shop in japan

osaka-based practice nakahira architects has completed ‘tamakichi mochiten’, a house and rice-cake shop located in a suburban area of tsu, mie, japan. the scheme presents an engaging and functional façade to the neighborhood, establishing the shop as a local landmark.

the project is both a house and rice-cake shop located in a suburban area of japan
image © ken’ichi suzuki

nakahira architects’ brief called for a building that combined traditional vernacular architecture with contemporary design. situated at the corner of an intersection, the project is defined by its elevations which respond to the nature of the angular plot. carefully placed apertures in the lateral façade allow light into specific areas of the design, while a large void brings helps ventilate internal volumes.

the scheme presents an engaging and  functional façade to the surrounding neighborhood
image © ken’ichi suzuki

at ground floor level a sheltered public zone provides an inviting and welcoming entrance for customers. from this area, visitors enter directly into the shop, while the kitchen is located at the rear. private living accommodation is situated above, with sleeping quarters on the first floor and tatami rooms and an external terrace at the home’s uppermost level.

the brief called for a building that combined traditional vernacular architecture with contemporary design
image © ken’ichi suzuki

situated at the corner of an intersection, the project is defined by its angled elevations
images © ken’ichi suzuki

the shop entrance
image © ken’ichi suzuki

image © ken’ichi suzuki

a public zone provides an inviting and welcoming entrance for customers
image © ken’ichi suzuki

looking down onto the scheme’s sheltered entrance
image © ken’ichi suzuki

carefully placed apertures in the lateral façade allow light into specific areas of the design
images © ken’ichi suzuki

section highlighting the design’s slanted façade

project info:

project name: tamakichi mochiten (rice-cake shop / house）
architects: nakahira architects
architects member: masaru nakahira
location: tsu,mie, japan
construction: steel
number of storeys: 3
gross area: 225.28 sqm