hiromu nakanishi organizes elephant house around internal courtyard

hiromu nakanishi organizes elephant house around internal courtyard
photo by kai nakamura
all images courtesy of hiromu nakanishi architects

named after a popular asian story, japanese practice hiromu nakanishi architects has completed ‘elephant house’, a residential design which provides for a family of four. situated in a suburban area of kyoto, the property is articulated around an open courtyard that brings natural light and ventilation inside the dwelling, and offers views of lush vegetation. externally, patterned façades further emphasize the scheme’s steeply pitched roof, with more enclosed elevations presented to the surrounding neighborhood.

patterned façades further emphasize the scheme’s steeply pitched roof
photo by kai nakamura

the majority of accommodation in positioned at ground floor level with living, cooking and dining space arranged around the central atrium. the master bedroom is also contained within the lower storey with the children’s sleeping quarters located at the upper level of the home.

the majority of accommodation in positioned at ground floor level
photo by kai nakamura

carefully chosen furniture includes a sofa by the bouroullec brothers
photos by kai nakamura

the home’s dining table is designed by patricia urquiola
photos by kai nakamura

the children’s bedroom features a skylight for ventilation
photos by kai nakamura

a storage area is finished in natural timber
photos by kohei ishikawa

the central courtyard which connects the entire design
photos by kai nakamura

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project info:

location: nakagyo ,kyoto, japan
size: wooden, 2 story
structural consultant: eisuke mitsuda
construction company: sakuji corp.
garden designer: takeo nakai
completed: april, 2014
site area: 216.73 sqm
floor area: 95.06 sqm
photography: kai nakamura and kohei ishikawa