'warehouse' by shinichi ogawa and associates in hiroshima, japan
all images courtesy of shinichi ogawa
photograph by toshiyuki yano


located in a suburb of hiroshima, japan, 'warehouse' by local architecture firm
shinichi ogawa and associates is a single volume residence with an enclosed courtyard.
distilled to its simplest form, the domestic programs of the house are arranged in
a linear orientation in a 'one room space'.

to create loose boundaries and order to the open concept, the design incorporates
subtle level changes in section: the 'wet' programs such as the kitchen and bathroom
are stepped down from the living area, while the washitsu (japanese-style room)
and office are placed half a level lower to the entry way. another key element to
the formalization of space is the series of functional furniture arranged like a barcode
throughout the length of the space. these free-standing wall units with built-in
functions--closets, toilet, kitchen appliances--provide privacy for the bedroom
while enclosing the study and japanese-style room. a mezzanine area is also created
above, becoming an open play space for the kids.

the expansive courtyard on the south side of the house is enclosed by a frosted glass fence.
the interior is capable of opening up completely to the outside by a series of sliding doors.



photograph by toshiyuki yano



photograph by toshiyuki yano



photograph by toshiyuki yano









photograph by toshiyuki yano















photograph by toshiyuki yano












photograph by toshiyuki yano



photograph by toshiyuki yano



photograph by toshiyuki yano



site plan



ground floor plan



upper level floor plan



longitudinal section



cross section



south elevation



west elevation