‘house of seven gardens’ by ikimono architects in gunma, japan images courtesy of ikimono architects

japanese firm ikimono architects recently completed ‘house of seven gardens’, a residence located in gunma, japan. intended for a young couple and their three children, the one story dwelling contains 17 separate areas – six exterior courtyards and 11 interior rooms – the spaces are of varied size, with windows and corridors weaving the shifting and offset environments together. vaguely defined programs allow each volume to support a range of activities, their neutral shells adaptive and accommodating.

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens view of roof garden

a progression of strong thresholds and varied openings generate a series of exchanges between interior and exterior environments, blurring the boundaries between each area. the changing weather and angle of the sun throughout the day continuously transforms the experience of the dwelling.

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens view from entrance

a solid wall encircles the structure providing the exterior facade with a modest and almost impenetrable existence. although the ground floor has a primarily introverted atmosphere, the rooftop provides a wholly different experience. stairs from one of the courtyards leads to a terrace with elevated views of the surrounding neighborhood.

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens (left) exterior corridor (right) view from courtyard through house

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens (left) windows provide glimpses of a courtyard from the interior (right) windows between interior rooms encourage uninterrupted interaction for residents

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens interior corridor of windows viewing a courtyard

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens stairs to roof garden

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens exterior at night

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens site plan

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens floor plan / level 0

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens elevation

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens elevation

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens elevation

ikimono architects: house of seven gardens elevation