yuji kimura builds private patios and sunlit spaces for house K

yuji kimura’s builds private patios and sunlit spaces for house K
all images courtesy of yuji kimura design

‘house K’ is a residence in tokyo by yuji kimura that utilizes its site to provide areas of solitude and relaxation for the client. since the owner’s requests included an exterior deck space where they could enjoy fresh air, a challenge arose from the fact that several sides of the design are adjacent to noisy streets. in response, the architects planned to construct a large wall intended to block the line of sight from traveling pedestrians and circulating cars on the road. the bedrooms are organized accordingly to the south as large windows provide natural sunlight to be taken in. the opposing north side utilizes a series of slit windows that work as efficiently as possible for the kitchen and bathroom while continuing the minimalist theme of ornamentation along the façades.

the entrance from the road

upon stepping through the recessed front door of the house, visitors are presented with the entrance hall, where storage rooms and water closets are allocated. circulation is then guided towards the dining area and living room, where the programs are set up in a way that permits mass amounts of light. in compliment to this effect, a steel staircase connecting each of the floors has the ability to vertically disperse illuminance through its thin wooden steps. the upper floors provide the amenities of a bathroom and bedrooms that lead to an outside balcony. from the terrace, privacy is negotiated by evenly divided louvers that distort views towards its location while visually connecting outer surfaces to the slatted timber and translucent panels that decorate the interior.

viewpoint of the louvers in the evening

view of the staircase dividing the kitchen and living areas 

view of the living room

view of the deck through the living room

view of the kitchen

view of the stairwell

the thin steps of the staircase allow light to flow throughout the public spaces

the second floor corridor

square cutouts that are organized in relation to the entrance hall and balcony

project info:

location: tokyo, japan
design: yuji kimura design
constructor: sanryo komuten K.K.
construction year: 2014
site area: 120.10 sqm
building area: 47.99 sqm
total area: 95.98 sqm
structure: timber
photography: takumi ota

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