'KD-house' by geneto, shiga prefecture, japan
images courtesy of geneto / © yasutake kondo


japanese practice geneto, has completed KD-house, the renovation of a
single family home in shiga prefecture, japan. reacting to the thoughtless
layouts of mass-produced dwellings, the design looks to re-establish the
relationship between indoors and out in the highly developed residential neighborhood.





each house, situated in close proximity to the next, features large windows
that open onto neighboring buildings and the busy street. as a result, closed
curtains hang in the windows of each home, looking to protect and conceal
the private activities happening within.



dining room


in this home, an angular wall penetrates the space, snaking around existing structures,
and re-connecting each area. standing tall, the divider - which doesn't quite reach the ceiling -
wraps around the entrance, living room and family room, enclosing the functions of each space
and limiting contact with the outside world. with the windows left bare, natural light filters in uninterrupted.



dining room and living room


furniture is built into each room, defining its purpose and giving each area character.
geometric forms add interest to the long, narrow dwelling, breaking the volume into a series of
slightly divided planes. spaces between the new and existing walls become a buffer zone -
not quite private, not quite public - providing dedicated areas for smaller hobby and office areas.



overall space



living room



living room and hobby room



(left) view from the kitchen
(right) kitchen



(left) private areas such as the dining room are concealed behind the new wall
(right) an office area is located in the buffer zone between the new and existing walls



floor plan / level 0



(left) floor plan before
(right) floor plan after



(left) section before
(right) section after