koji kakiuchi: hut

‘hut’ by koji kakiuchi / yaomitsu designing department in nara, japan all images courtesy koji kakiuchi / yaomitsu designing department

japanese practice koji kakiuchi / yaomitsu designing department has completed ‘hut’, a small elevated shelter on a slope of a forest in nara, japan. exploring the elements of a torri corridor – a traditional gateway to a shrine – the design utilizes a rhythmic composition of pillars and beams to create a simple space that connects the inhabitant with the forest.

exterior view

jutting out of a dramatic decline in the topography, the 8.31m2 hut is a tapering rectangular form clad in vertical-running charred timber panels. the structure is surrounded by a collection of grown trees which camouflages its presence from the street. in the approach, the structure gives the illusion of being on a foundation, floating just above the higher part of the land. access to the hut is provided by a ladder that leads up to a small hatch in the floor.

street facade

view from under the hut

mimicking the elements of a torri corridor, the hut is constructed with a repetitive frame that has been raised off the ground with braces. the interior is completely finished with japanese cedar boards, and is simply divided into two zones – a room and a sheltered outdoor terrace. the single-sloped roof funnels both the space and views toward the forest, establishing visual gravity to the lush site.    

views of the outdoor terrace

hatch

(left) interior view (right) within context

view from the street

a torri corridor

schematic models of the process

physical model

section and plan

during construction

project info:

site area: 445.64 m2 total floor area: 8.31 m2

structural engineer: satoru shimoyama