suppose design office: COCAGE

'COCAGE showroom' by suppose design office in kochi-shi, kochi, japan
all images courtesy suppose design office
image © toshiyuki yano


japanese architecture practice suppose design office has shared with us images of 'COCAGE',
a two-storey house and showroom in kochi-shi, kochi, japan. seeking to engage in direct dialogue
with the outdoor elements - light, wind, water, shadow - the design creates living spaces which
incorporate these features into the spatial atmosphere. 



exterior view
image © toshiyuki yano


adopting a bold and graphic triangular volume, the structure seemingly rises out of the ground
into a symmetrical peak. a system of parallel louvers line the angled facades, establishing a level of
transparency from certain vantage points. situated adjacent to the structure to touch the ground floor
terrace is a low-lying pond that injects a natural element to the otherwise urban landscape. the building
utilizes this body of water to cool down the microclimate.



view from terrace
image © toshiyuki yano


simple in its layout, the interior is an H-shaped arrangement with two outdoor terraces cut out of
both ends of the rectangular plan. the central area accommodates a generous living, kitchen and
dining space that benefits from the cross ventilation of the flanking terraces. service programs,
as well as two bedrooms and a tatami room runs along the long sides of the plan, resulting in
an intuitive and clean arrangement that provides appropriate levels of privacy.



second level showroom
image © toshiyuki yano


the showroom is hosted on the second storey, which is an open-concept design with an attic feel.
defined by the exposed structural beams that run along the sloped ceiling, the space features
horizontally running shelving units that reference the louvers of the exterior. ample sunlight enters
the level from the open ground floor terraces with an additional roof top balcony on one side.
a large void punctured at the center of the showroom space, provides a view of the living space below.



image © toshiyuki yano



overlooking the ground floor space below
image © toshiyuki yano



living and dining at night
image © toshiyuki yano



floor plan / level 0




floor plan / level +1



longitudinal section


project info:

principal use: showroom
structure: wood structure
storeys: 2
site area: 853.84 m2
building area: 141.16 m2
total floor area: 199.765m2

project team: makoto tanijiri, yoshio ono, yuko fukuma
construction company: fukuya construction company
structural engineer: nawaken gym