‘house in kuwana’ by shinobu ichihara architects, kuwana, mie prefecture, japanall images courtesy of shinobu ichihara architects

 

 

 

on a relatively small site in the moderately-dense suburban area of kuwana, japanese practice shinobu ichihara architects built a 72 m2single family residence centered around a large exterior courtyard. considering the spatial constraints inferred by the site, the crux of the project lies in the visual connection of spaces and their disconnected circulation. the idea extends interior views across the house andoffers glimpses into other spaces through voids, openings, and doors, but requires the user to take on a slightly more circuitous path toarrive — effectively creating a greater sense of space. the timber construction allows for an unimposing structure, highlighted by exposedconcrete elements and natural wood flooring and fixtures. ample glazing lets in plenty of natural light, with a privacy wall of pinewood panels along the periphery of the property. the courtyard extends the central interior space as the exterior counterpart to the primarysocial area inside.

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanastreet-side elevation

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanacourtyard view

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwana(left) entrance(right) entry hallway

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanadouble-height living area

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanacaption

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanacaption

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanacaption

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanawork space/ den accessible by a ladder

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanabedroom

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwana

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwananight exterior

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanafloor plan / level 0

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanafloor plan / level 1

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanasection

 

 

shinobu ichihara architects: house in kuwanasection

 

 

 

project info:

 

type: private residencelocation: mie, japanstructure: woodstories: 2 height: 6.25 msite area: 229.89 m2building area: 71.61 m2total floor area: 101.22 m2design period: october, 2010 – august, 2011construction period: september, 2011 – march, 2012