tadahiro shimada architect: house in ichijoji

‘house in ichijoji’ by tadashiro shimada architect in kyoto, japan all images courtesy tadashiro shimada architect

japan-based tadashiro shimada architect has completed ‘house in ichijoji’, a small two-storey residence in a residential neighbourhood of kyoto. pinwheeling around a central double-height ‘light chimney’, the design focuses on creating a living space that is well connected as well as intuitive in its arrangement.

exterior view

wrapped in dark cladding, the simple and monolithic volume aims to provide maximum privacy while not compromising on natural daylighting. the ground floor features a transparent corner of sliding glass doors that connects the living room with a fenced-in yard off the street. slightly tapered up to a peak, a square-shaped rooflight illuminates the space below. rooms on the upper level are arranged to circumscribe this central void, featuring small internal windows with wooden shutters to further distribute the light.

(left) view of washitsu (right) looking up at double-height void

to maintain the illusion of a large space, the interior is divided by differences in elevation as well as built in partitions that serve multiple functions: the washitsu, or ‘japanese-style room’, is set on a wooden stage and defined by built-in shelves on one side.

looking out into yard

built in storage units as permeable partition

(left) view into main living space (right) upper level office

night view