‘house in kusatsu’ by NRM architects office, shiga, japan all images courtesy of NRM architects office image © eiji tomita

osaka-based practice NRM architects office (shunichiro ninomiya + tomoko morodome) have recently completed ‘house in kusatsu’, a single family residence in shiga, japan. the two-story dwelling consists of four volumetric structures which ascends and descends in height, alternating in exterior tones of solid white and black. through this subtle stepped exterior, the interior program is revealed which cuts into the masses signalling a difference in function. the adjacent landscaped areas mimic the height and length of the facades, adding areas of relief and foliage to the monochromatic paved lane way.

upon entering the household, a long and narrow hallway detailed in dark vertical wooden planks continues the exterior language of horizontality. the partition cuts into the white volume signaling it as the circulation portion of the program. the ground floors is an open social space which consists of a living, kitchen, dining room, japanese style chamber and courtyards. to create an environment where the exterior comes into the interior spaces sliding glass doors allow the family to fully access the deck, which illuminates during the evening with cove lighting. the private quarters are located on the second level to separate the functions and activity within the residence.

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 2 exterior facade image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 3 hallway image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 4 double height ceiling image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 5 living area image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 6 access to courtyard image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 7 image © eiji tomita NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 8 courtyard image © eiji tomita NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 9 (left) hallway to private rooms (right) stairway to second floor image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 10 dining area at dusk image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 11 cove lighting image © eiji tomita

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 12 level / 0 image © NRM architects office

NRM architects office: house in kusatsu - 13 level / 1 image © NRM architects office

project info:

architects: shunichiro ninomiya + tomoko morodome / nrm-architects office location: shiga, japan principal use: personal house structure: wood structure, 2 stories site area: 264.92 sqm building area: 123.18 sqm total floor area: 168.11 sqm project completion: 2011 photographer: eiji tomita