satoru hirota constructs a storm-resistant 'house of calm' in niigata, japan

located in japan’s niigata prefecture, the ‘house of calm’ by satoru hirota architects is a modest, two storey structure that aims to make the most of its elongated site. the house’s long, sloped roof is specifically designed to withstand the brutal winds of the region’s winter monsoons, and its muted but bold exterior is intended to generate an aura of peace, both within and without.

the structure is located in the centre of the elongated site

located in the center of the site, the ‘house of calm’ is bracketed on either side by two generous garden spaces. the south side, or ‘static’ garden serves a visual function, providing views to the house’s living area. the north side or ‘active’ garden is intended to be used as a space for growing herbs and vegetables, what satoru hirota refers to as a ‘kitchen garden’. the strong, straight lines of the structure rise out of these spaces with force, drawing a modern but humble silhouette against the residential backdrop. the sharp angles of the house are more than just an aesthetic choice however — due to the adverse weather conditions of the area, the geometry of the façade is designed to withstand high wind speeds. the materials used in the construction of the walls and roof were chosen based on their high stain and abrasion resistance, while the building’s steel gutters serve to both divert rainfall and operate as a snow-stop.

the house is bracketed on either side by dedicated garden space

inside, the house’s program is laid out over two levels. the ground floor is comprised of the kitchen and living spaces, while the second floor is home to the bedrooms and a traditional style japansese room. the interior scheme of the house is almost cubic in presentation, with much of the surfaces and functional spaces dominated by a box-like aesthetic. the precise exterior architecture of the ‘house of calm’ is mirrored throughout: the wooden frame bringing a touch a of rustic tranquility to the home. the slanted roof results in a lofty, high-ceilinged kitchen, and upstairs, wide uninterrupted glass panel windows liven the sober, peaceful interior rooms.  

the bay window is recessed to provide maximum protection from the elements 

the interior palette is dominated by shades of grey

the sloped roof creates an airy, lofted kitchen space

the interior plan is almost cubic in presentation

the extractor extends down into the kitchen and becomes an eye-catching feature of the space

large, uninterrupted glass panels fill the space with light

the wooden frame of the building is visible throughout

the japanese room is located on the second level of the building

the sloped roof is specifically designed to withstand the brutal winds of the region’s winter monsoons

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: peter corboy | designboom