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'okagami house' by arts and crafts architectural design associates, kanagawa, japan
all images courtesy of arts and crafts architectural design associates
originally built 33 years ago by japanese architect denso sugiura of arts and crafts architectural design associates, the 'okagami house' and its site have
changed over the years, warranting a renovation that reflects the new terrain, new family members, and new uses. the seedlings planted in the past have
now grown into adults, reshaping the nature of the site, creating a small green oasis amidst the suburban sprawl. the need for more space led to an
addition on the other end of the property, connected by a wooden bridge open to the elements. the concrete structure contains a large glass clerestory
that illuminates the interior while it offers views of the sky. the upper levels of the split dwellings contain the social program enveloped in glass walls
that use the green canopies as privacy screens against direct sunlight; the lower floor is reserved for private bedrooms and bathrooms hidden amongst
the thick vegetation.

lower wooden walkway

view to the addition from the existing structure

approach from the street along the top section of the site

living space encased in large windows uses the surrounding vegetation for privacy

upper wooden walkway connecting the two structures


view towards the original house

(left) living space
(right) tatami room

(left) house in 1979
(right) house in 2012
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floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level -1

section

section

elevation

elevation
project info:
project name: okagami house
main purpose: housing
design: denso sugiura │ arts & crafts architectual design associates
structural design: kubota sekkei
contractor: watanabe takeshi construction co.,ltd.
location: asao-ku, kawasaki-shi, kanagawa, japan
site area: 384.94m2
total floor area: 173.88m2
construction period: 1979(Ⅰ), 1995(Ⅱ), 2012(Ⅲ)
Very nice!
that Eames chair looks very much right at home
luv it!
Nicely integrated with the trees and hills.
love it! just imagine if have a studio like this
wonderful n amazing
Just by how much have Japanese architecture got better in the last decades?
I know this house.
I’d like to live in such a nice one!!!
I feel this house could fit in, in Hawai’i. Love the design around a lush environment.