
first image
'house yagiyama' by kazuya saito architects, sendai, miyagi, japan
image © yasuhiro takagi
all images courtesy of kazuya saito architects
japanese firm kazuya saito architects have recently completed the 'house yagiyama', a single storey residence within the hilly area of sendai, miyagi, japan.
positioned to the south of the hirosegawa river, the dwelling is situated amongst residential structures that date from the 1960s. the volume gives privacy
to inhabitants while a breeze passes through the four outdoor terraces. without windows at the perimeter, the interior is opened to daylight with a separated entry,
side door entrance, wash room and garden. high windows allows for daylight and ventilation while eliminating views from neighbors. a central skylight releases
built up hot air and promotes stack effect.
the illusion of a never-ending interior is created by arranging rooms alongside outdoor terraces. a unique palette within every space including
wood-clad walls versus off-white surfaces or flat versus inclined ceilings to mark a change during movement between the spaces. the variety gives residents
opportunities for diverse experiences from day to day.

gate entry
image © yasuhiro takagi

living room
image © yasuhiro takagi

threshold to dining area
image © yasuhiro takagi

(left) dining room
(right) living room
images © yasuhiro takagi

dining area
image © yasuhiro takagi

dining room
image © yasuhiro takagi

entry at dusk
image © yasuhiro takagi

elevated perspective of residence
image © yasuhiro takagi
project info:
architect: kazuya saito architects
location: sendai, miyagi, japan
structural design: atsuhiro nakahata + yasushi moribe
structural system: wooden
storeys: 1 storey
maximum height: 5,330 mm
site area: 468.96 sqm
building area: 137.47 sqm
total floor area: 137.47 sqm
project year: 2011-2012
photographs: yasuhiro takagi
you can watch the movable panoramic images at the address below.
http://www.kyst.jp/ygy_vt/tour.html
It’s a lovely looking design. Yet while I am no architect, I can’t help but comment… the first things I notice are that it has no eaves and roof cavity – so it’s gonna be hot in there in summer… and again with no eaves, and no gutters, the water will just run straight off the roof and down the side walls. And no protection from rain when you step outside. These are boring things but I couldn’t imagine living in a house without them.
Very good point Bruce, I agree with you.