ALTS design office completes minakuchi house in shiga

ALTS design office completes minakuchi house in shiga
all images courtesy of ALTS design office

through the intersection of two distinct rectangular volumes, ALTS design office has composed the ‘minakuchi house’ in a rural area of shiga, japan. the smaller, horizontally oriented piece cuts through the larger and vertically oriented mass, and frames an expansive view toward the scenic context. the ground floor includes covered parking, a children’s room, as well as a study. a wooden, open-riser staircase accesses the primary, upper level of the dwelling, which contains the kitchen, living area, and bedrooms. a variety of materials were utilized to contrast various elements of the design. the exterior is uniformly coated in standing-seam black sheet metal, while the interior features a range of wood, paint, and ceramic tiling.

the balcony void’s wood finishing contrasts the black metal cladding on the exterior of the residence

the elevation reveals the structure’s distinct composition

(left): an open sink and storage area are built to complement the circulation
(right): a wooden tread, open-riser staircase accesses the upper level

(left): a narrow passage lined with display shelving leads to a study area
(right): a range of finishes give the house texture and warmth

a variety of materials are used including wooden floor panels and ceramic tiles on walls

the kitchen, dining, and living areas are unified into one open space

sliding wood doors separate various zones of the house

the living area opens to an expansive view of the scenic context

(left): floor plan / level 0
(right): floor plan / level +1

(left): elevation
(right): section

project info:

project name: minakuchi house
location: shiga, japan
architect: ALTS design office / sumiou mizumoto, yoshitaka kuga
construction: wood structure
gross area: 100.72 sqm
completed date: may 2014