hari architects: kokuban house

'kokuban house' by hari architects in kitajima-cho itano-gun, tokushima prefecture, japan
all images courtesy hari architects


japanese practice hari architects has sent us images of 'kokuban house', a two-storey
private residence in tokushima prefecture, japan. composed of a series of boxes,
the design defines individual programs and zones in a pragmatic and intuitive manner,
resulting in a house that mediates between openness and privacy.



exterior view


featuring a number of different facade finishes, the house's internal composition
can be clearly read in the makeup of its elevation. two silver boxes - one standing
vertically and the other floating horizontally - set a bold contrast against the white base
of the house. the resulting exterior expression is a playful delineation of space.



entrance


opening up to a double-height atrium, the entry hall serves multiple functions in addition
to providing access to the house. a tall freestanding chalkboard and a swing set has been
installed, giving the space to the children of the house. light filled and finished with
concrete flooring, the area serves as a small playground within the residence. the white box
which sits on the ground floor accommodates the living and dining space, while the two
silver boxes host private programs such as the bedroom and children's room. the voids between
the three forms facilitate an airy and illuminated atmosphere.



view of entrance hall



views of chalkboard






views of entrance atrium



living space



kitchen



upper level






floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



section



(left) schematic model
(right) sketched perspective