kyoko ikuta architecture laboratory + ozeki architects & associates: forest bath

'forest bath' by kyoko ikuta architecture laboratory and ozeki architects & associates in nagano, japan
all images courtesy kyoko ikuta architecture laboratory
image © tomohiro sakashita


japanese architects kyoko ikuta architecture laboratory (kyoko ikuta) and ozeki architects & associates
(katsuyuki ozeki) have sent us images of 'forest bath', a single-storey summer home in nagano, japan.
situated on a flat site which does not have the vantage point for sweeping views, the design carves out
a triangular plane into the structure's form to extend the eyes obliquely up towards the sky.



exterior view
image © tomohiro sakashita


surrounded by tall larch trees, the low-lying dwelling keeps its presence quiet by taking on
a relatively simple profile with a large symmetrically-pitched roofline. the dramatic angles of
the roof is excised with a triangular void that lends a level of transparency to the solid exterior.
the negative space serves as a private outdoor courtyard that opens up to the lush trees at
an upwards trajectory. a wide band of glazing that runs along the foot of the elevation creates
the illusion of a floating roof.



courtyard space
image © tomohiro sakashita


featuring a floor-to ceiling window that acts as an open interface between the courtyard and
the interior, the living space within gains abundant amounts of natural daylight that gradually shifts
throughout the day. the insertion of the triangular outdoor space determined the layout by generating
two wings on either side of the floor which serves as the bedroom and bath. the tapering walls and
ceiling result in a dynamic interior that naturally funnels visual focus out towards the forest and trees.



view of courtyard from interior
image © tomohiro sakashita



windows from bath
image © tomohiro sakashita



interior view of bedroom
image © tomohiro sakashita



tapered entrance to bedroom
image © tomohiro sakashita



access
image © tomohiro sakashita



floor and site plan


project info:

principal use: summer house
construction: steel
site area: 590.94 m2
total floor area: 71.37 m2

structural engineering: IIJIMA structural design office
constructor: daiichi kensetsu