container design protrudes timber volume from traditional japanese home

container design protrudes timber volume from traditional japanese home
photography courtesy of container design

having enjoyed the well insulated home they stayed whist on vacation, the clients wanted the architects at container design to renovate their two-storey timber building in accordingly. the residence – located in tokushima city in japan – was constructed with the approach of maximizing natural light and efficient ventilation.

due to its north-east orientation, the property has favorable conditions of morning light and bright interiors. a main feature to the development is the ‘hakomegane’ – which translates to ‘underwater glass box’ – this concept has resulted in the noticeable addition of a timber and glass volume integrated into the side of the existing building. the walls and columns from the property were retained, and the fully-glazed addition serves as a light tube, while giving the home extra ceiling space between the first and second floor. 

the client was impressed by the warmth of the interiors of the homes while their trip abroad

the timber-wrapped extension is fully glazed

the ground floor kitchen

majority of the existing structure was retained

the light-filled home features two levels

the walls and pillars were retained which is underlying structure of the existing building

the home at night