‘house in yonomoriy’ by studio synapse in tomioka, fukushima pref, japan all images courtesy studio synapse image © koichi torimura

‘house in yonomori’ by japanese architecture atelier studio synapse (mikiya ueki, saori ueki) is a single-storey private residence on a triangular site in tomioka, fukushima, japan. playing off the shape of the plot as a catalyst for the design, the low-lying dwelling is a composition of three box-like volumes that pivot and overlap around a central courtyard.

studio synapse: house in yonomori aerial view image © koichi torimura

stepping away from the plot line to create an outdoor parking space as well as a corner kitchen garden, the exterior expression is simply clad in a dark grey metallic skin. the main entrance is delineated through a large sliding glass doorway which opens on to the gravel yard. featuring gaps and angular chasms between volumes, the arrangement of the house is transparent from the street.

studio synapse: house in yonomori north elevation image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori entrance image © koichi torimura

focusing around the courtyard placed at the heart of the layout, the interior composes pockets of spaces around the lightwell. the circulation wraps around the core, providing a fluid access to all wings of the house. the tapered moments where the boxes overlap provide a level of privacy and definition from individual zones while maintaining a sense of connection between all members of the household. the interior is well-illuminated by natural daylight and a dialogue is established between the indoors and outdoors.

studio synapse: house in yonomori interior view image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori elevated courtyard image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori from living / dining space image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomoriview from bedroom image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori pleated wall creating tapered separation image © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori (left) bathroom looking out on to terrace (right) stairs up to roof level images © koichi torimura

studio synapse: house in yonomori floor plan