translucent polycarbonate and wire mesh structure fills japanese solarium with natural light

takayuki kuzushima introduces ‘hut’, a small residence among the tranquil fields and bamboo forests of japan’s aichi prefecture. the project, a renovation of a pre-existing house, introduces new open spaces which allow visitors to gather. a full height solarium comprises the main intervention, with rough and simple materials used to best allow the penetration of natural ambient sunlight. while exposed structure and integrated shelving units fill the lofty space with a rich latticework and offer a visual richness, the design team makes use of wire mesh as a earthquake-resistant element while translucent polycarbonate cladding allows light to fill the large solarium. operable shutters enclose the double-height entrance to this space, generating a semi-outdoor condition when opened.

all images and videos courtesy of takayuki kuzushima and associates

takayuki kuzushima and associates introduces a lofty and light filled space to the existing house with a delicate and expressive materiality and a minimal organization in plan. the exposed structural frame which fills the space is built of a pre-plated square pipe as an assembly pillar, which allows for shelving to be freely added as is suited to the needs of the occupant. as this element is fabricated of a thin plate material that can be screwed, such secondary members as furring strips can be eliminated. the exterior is clad primarily in a cedar roofing board which is further expressed toward the interior.

lead architect takayuki kuzushima comments: ‘I think that the life of a resident is not completed in one house — or one function-defined room — but rather it can become rich by enriching its surroundings. the building is like a hut below a house. however, I think that the life through the hut can create more expanse and richness than conventional houses.‘

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project info:

name: hut
location: aichi, japan
architect: takayuki kuzushima and associates