house in gokurakuji by naoya kawabe presents neighborhood views
photo by shinkenchiku-sha
all images courtesy of naoya kawabe architect & associates

 

 

 

in central japan, architect naoya kawabe has designed a two-storey dwelling that shares a direct connection with the surrounding natural environment. located in a quiet residential area of kanagawa, the property boasts large windows that not only flood internal volumes with daylight, but also provide expansive views across the neighborhood.

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
the property boasts large windows that flood internal volumes with natural daylight
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

 

 

 

the house is composed of two shifted blocks of different heights, which are connected through a third interstitial space. in order to ensure residential privacy, façades oriented towards the street are windowless in contrast to their lateral counterparts. the dwelling’s only bedroom is found at ground floor level, joined by a communal bathroom and toilet. primary living accommodation is positioned at the upper storey where a brightly lit dining area adjoins a small kitchen.

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
living accommodation at the dwelling’s upper level
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
a brightly lit dining area adjoins a small kitchen.
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
the entrance and foyer space
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
the house is composed of two shifted blocks connected through a third interstitial space
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
bedroom at the lower level of the plan
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji kanagawa japan designboom
the windowless façade presented to the passing street
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

 

drawings

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naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 
naoya kawabe house in gokurakuji designboom
 

project info:

 

project name: house in gokurakuji
architects: naoya kawabe architect & associates
location: kamakura, kanagawa, japan
completed: 2013
photographer: shinkenchiku-sha