‘roji’ by nadamoto yukiko architects in yoichi-cho, hokkaido, japan all images courtesy nadamoto yukiko architects

japanese firm nadamoto yukiko architects has sent us images of their new project ‘roji, a residence and cafe designed for a couple in their 30s in yoichi-cho, hokkaido. ‘roji’, which means alley in japanese, organizes its internal spaces around a central passageway that runs through the house.

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji looking up to the second level

to create an authentic atmosphere of an alleyway, the diagonally-running corridor features faceted edges that compress and expand the width of the hallway. rooms on the upper level feature small windows that overlook the circulatory spine, offering sight lines to visually connect the living space. simple, decorative arches break up the double-height void while simultaneously serving as an abstract reference to european alleys.

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji view down the central corridor

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji double height void

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji second-storey

located on the north east corner of the house, the cafe is dissociated from the residence with a dramatic change in colour palette. finished in a dark shade similar to that of coffee, the two-storey cafe offers privately scaled areas for an intimate atmosphere.

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji staircase in the cafe

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji second level – cafe

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji exterior view

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji (left) floor plan / level 0 (right) floor plan / level +1

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji section

nadamoto yukiko architects: roji perspective drawing