KINO architects: airhole house

'airhole house' by KINO architects in shiga, japan
all images courtesy KINO architects
photographer: daici ano


'airhole house' by masahiro kinoshita of tokyo-based KINO architects is a two-storey
private residence in shiga, japan. true to its name, the design features large volumetric voids
on both levels that facilitate natural cross ventilation while serving a functional purpose.



street elevation


located on a corner plot in a residential area, the main form of the house was dictated
by the shape of the site. on the street level, a covered parking spot is generated by
carving out an airhole that opens up east to west. the main entrance is also provided
through this space.

more predominantly noticeable from the main street to the south is the asymmetrical
roof line and terrace space on the second level. funneled in form, the open volume accommodates
the outdoor veranda and the living/dining/kitchen area. the west wall offers storage while
the pie-shaped space to the east houses the staircase, bathroom and washitsu (or japanese-style room).



street view



covered garage



looking towards the terrace






dining room and kitchen



terrace door






(left) on terrace
(right) view


the design exaggerates its excisions by utilizing contrasting colours and materials from
the rest of the exterior surface. finished in a light shade, the garage and terrace reflect
the artificial illumination of the interior, causing the two volumes to glow during the night.



night view






schematic diagram




site plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



section


project info:

architect: masahiro kinoshita / KINO architects
structure: wooden
storeys: 2
site area: 98.49 m2
building area: 58.97 m2
total floor area: 98.74 m2