'TH house' by baqueratta in tochigi prefecture, japan
all images courtesy baqueratta
photographer: katsuhisa kida


while utilizing a courtyard to visually enlarge a space is not a new trick in japanese
modern architecture, tokyo-based architecture office baqueratta has taken a different
spin on the method. 'TH house' is a single family dwelling in tochigi prefecture, japan,
which features multiple pockets of courtyard spaces flanking almost all rooms and
programs. while extending the interior space is the primary reasoning behind this practice,
the house as a whole emphasizes the importance of framing, and how much it can change
the individual atmosphere of a room.



entrance



living and dining area


while most houses with an outdoor space feature one large, collective courtyard connecting
many programs, the 'TH house' accommodates many room-like courtyards that seemingly
extend out from the interior walls. by sandwiching floor to ceiling glazing in between,
the room is visually stretched along this axis, providing an almost mirroring effect.
laid out in grass, tiles, or wooden decking, the attached exterior spaces become the backgrounds
to their respective interiors.

the walls, which are reinforced concrete treated in white, direct light into the house,
maximizing on the natural daylighting effect. the windows are lined with thick black steel,
emphasizing the importance of visual framing which is apparent in the design.



bedroom and courtyard



the courtyard wall features a cut out to another courtyard to still allow for transparency and connectivity



lighting during the night



floor to ceiling windows



dining and kitchen



system of artificial lights wash up the walls



(left) courtyard extending off the master bedroom
(right) the wooden slats continue on in the inside



washroom