House in Kitaoji: a modern interpretation of a kyoto townhouse

 

In Kyoto City, ATELIER・K has renovated a detached house using traditional Japanese architectural methods to redefine the residential experience with a focus on physical comfort. The detached House in Kitaoji・F stands at the end of a narrow alley with a distinctive facade marked by angular forms. Within, according to the client’s core directive, the architects have retained the existing frame structure to a significant extent, allowing for a nuanced integration of traditional and contemporary elements. Alterations to key elements such as the entrance, stairs, water areas, and bedroom location were additionally minimized, while the kitchen was relocated to the southern part, prompting structural reinforcements in the foundation and load-bearing walls.

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto
all images by Taizo Furukawa

 

 

ATELIER・K infuses natural light and ventilation

 

While maintaining the existing planar structure, ATELIER・K led by architect Akira Kakuda created connections between each space both in plan and cross-section to enhance daily functionality. The space leading from the entrance to the hallway and stairs has been transformed into an atrium that extends through three levels to the loft, while a large opening on the south side allows natural light to flow into the back of the building while also promoting gravity ventilation in the cross section. Drawing inspiration from Kyoto townhouses, sliding doors, shoji screens, and transoms have been implemented to control lines of sight and ventilation according to situational requirements.

 

House in Kitaoji・F’s main south elevation, featuring galvalume steel plates and aluminum louvers, has been raised 250 mm from the existing framework which forms an air layer to counteract intense summer sunlight. This further contributes to a cohesive facade with a pronounced sense of frontality, incorporating elements like balcony handrails, entrance eaves, and louvers for functional and aesthetic purposes.

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto
entrance and stairs

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto
layer of pillar, wall and stairs

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto
living space

by atelier k
main bedroom

by atelier k
corridor of second floor

by atelier k
existing wooden beam in guest room

traditional japanese shoji screens and transoms revive luminous house in kitaoji in kyoto
loft space

 

 

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project info:

 

name: HOUSE in Kitaoji・F
architect: Atelier・K architect / Akira Kakuda
location: Kyoto, Japan

photography: Taizo Furukawa

 

 

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom