takashi okuno & associates uses cedar and cypress wood to build family house in japan

in the town of tadotsu, within japan‘s kagawa prefecture, takashi okuno & associates has designed a family house that focuses on bringing peace of mind through welcoming spaces and natural materials. built on an L-shaped plot, the project involved demolishing an existing building that had stood on the site for over a century. with this new intervention, the architects intended to create a structure with longevity, one which will offer a constant source of shelter in the years to come.

all images © shigeo ogawa

the architects took advantage of the L-shaped site by building a separate tea house annex in addition to the main residence. upon arriving into the house, a small entrance room first greets residents before they are led into the kitchen and living spaces. further into the plan, the more private and service functions unfold.

with the surrounding tree cover, the house offers shading from the sun and a good degree of privacy. the design also provides a more introverted architecture, as the windows are sheltered by deep eaves and timber screens. these elements work together to create a more intimate residence, one that reflects inwards and does not impose itself onto the site.

the house is constructed from a structure of japanese cedar wood, japanese cypress wood and mud walls. the presence of timber is felt throughout the design as it is left exposed on the ceiling and makes up the majority of the furniture. with this abundance of such a warm, natural material, the building becomes a calm and inviting place.

project info:

project name: house in tadotsu

lead architects: takashi okuno & associates

project location: kagawa, japan

completion year: 2019

total floor area: 1960 ft2 (182.09 m2)

construction: japanese cedar wood, japanese cypress wood, mud wall

photography: shigeo ogawa

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom