NAP architects places nasu tee-pee residence in the japanese woodland

the nasu residence situated within a dense forest in the tochigi prefecture was built for a married couple with a large affinity to their natural surroundings. the design, carried out by japanese studio NAP architects, is directly informed by the characteristics of the site. the footprint meanders between existing trees to minimize the need for removing native vegetation, resulting in a plan made up of clustered spaces oriented on different axes. the foundation of the house is raised off the ground which helps weatherproof the interior by allowing snow and rain to pass freely underneath.

each main room contains its own entrance
image © koji fujii/nacasa and partners inc. (also main image)

due to the cover created by the foliage, the architects sought to raise the ceiling heights to allow as much light inside as possible, but this presented a problem as larger volumes require more energy to heat and cool. a solution was found in a pyramidal shape which would allow for taller roofs but would cut the volume down for efficiency. the shape also creates a heat trap at the ceilings which in the summer time is release through small windows at the peaks and in the winter is fanned through the walls and out through the floor, naturally heating the house.

image © koji fujii/nacasa and partners inc.

this solution also posed a new problem however- angled walls do not allow people to stand up within a certain distance so the usable space of each cluster is confined to the centers. the architects therefore designed the furniture to be located towards the edges where standing was not required, and circulation and social areas towards the centers of the rooms. the angled nature of the plan also affords unique views through the forest as well as creates exterior zones for various activities pertaining to the owner’s lives.

image © koji fujii/nacasa and partners inc.