'hall and house' by fuminori nousaku architects, japan
image © manuel oka


tokyo-based practice fuminori nousaku architects has created 'hall and house', a mixed-use live/work environment in japan.
built for a dance instructor, the residence is composed of a large light-filled studio and small private residence.

reminiscent of the archetypal home, the building seeks to disconnect itself from unsightly surroundings, the openings solely
directed on the encircling private garden. the solid massing is translated indoors where open rooms and natural illumination
highlight the vastness of space. louvers in the ceiling extend from the floor to ceiling windows, revealing skylights in the
symmetrical pitched roof above.



back garden
image © manuel oka


light wood panels, each identical in size are used repetitiously to clad the ceilings and walls of the interior living environment.
the organic and tactile material softens the bold linear portions and lends a sense of warmth and acoustic soundproofing to the
overall space.



dance hall
image © manuel oka


a private dwelling is positioned on the second floor next to the double height studio. a series of windows open on to both the
dance hall and the corridors, allowing natural light to enter the home from multiple directions.



portions of the ceiling are louvered to draw natural light inside
image © manuel oka



(left) detail of window and louvered ceiling
(right) stairs to private dwelling
image © manuel oka



viewing area from residence
image © manuel oka



kitchen in private residence
image © manuel oka



physical model
image courtesy of fuminori nousaku architects



interior shots of physical model
images courtesy of fuminori nousaku architects