okuwada architects office fronts house in japan with angular shard-like façade

okuwada architects office, an architecture firm led by okuwada takeshi, has completed a dwelling in nishinomiya — a city in japan’s hyōgo prefecture. called ‘house in nigawa’, the project is located in a residential area near mount rokkō — a popular destination for rock climbers. constructed using a combination of concrete and timber, the property appears from the passing street as an angular shard with no visible openings.

all images by yamada keishiro

this façade was designed by okuwada architects office as a second skin for the building. thanks to a carefully positioned opening in the roof, natural light and ventilation is able to permeate behind the exterior elevation — illuminating the interior spaces. a white door serves as the entrance to the home, which features white walls and pale timber surfaces throughout.

the interior configuration is kept fluid with spaces defined by the furniture that occupies them. staggered levels result in connected living spaces, while more private areas are concealed behind doors. in contrast to the elevation facing the street, the façade at the rear of the home has numerous openings that overlook a private garden and the lush landscape beyond. see other projects by okuwada architects office on designboom here.

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project info:

name: house in nigawa
architect: okuwada takeshi / okuwada architects office inc.
location: nishinomiya-city, hyogo prefecture, japan
construction: mixed structure (concrete + wood)
scale: 1 basement floor + 2 floors above ground
photography: yamada keishiro