‘house in kitasaya’ by terminal01, ehime prefecture, japan images courtesy of terminal01

japanese studio, terminal01 has designed ‘house in kitasaya’, a two storey family home located in ehime prefecture, japan. featuring a large central courtyard, the design facilitates natural daylight and visual connectivity throughout the interior space.  

initiated by a desire for privacy, the project lacks windows at a convential height, opting for a clerestory-like opening near the ceiling of each room. principal living spaces are structured around a central void that penetrates the volume of the residence. on the east side, an outdoor terrace extends out from the central core, directly connection the mezzanine interior to the exterior. the open shaft further unifies and connects the two levels of the home, allowing sound and activity to filtrate throughout the dwelling.

terminal01: house in kitasaya looking through the void to the second storey

terminal01: house in kitasaya (left) looking into the kitchen from the void (right) looking at the void from inside the home

terminal01: house in kitasaya central core, kitchen, living room and dining room

inclined to the east, the skewed opening of the courtyard results in an asymmetrical pitched roof that creates irregular angles in the interior. concealed perimeter fluorescents are directed upwards to wash the white walls and ceiling with light, extending the sense and size of space.

terminal01: house in kitasaya second storey living room

terminal01: house in kitasaya looking up through the central core

terminal01: house in kitasaya

terminal01: house in kitasaya exterior

terminal01: house in kitasaya fiscal model

terminal01: house in kitasaya floor plan / level 0

terminal01: house in kitasaya floor plan / level 1

terminal01: house in kitasaya roof plan

terminal01: house in kitasaya south elevation

terminal01: house in kitasaya north elevation

terminal01: house in kitasaya east elevation

terminal01: house in kitasaya west elevation

terminal01: house in kitasaya section

terminal01: house in kitasaya section

project info:

architects: kei haraguchi + keigo miki + miho tsujioka location: ehime, japan structure: wood structure, 2 stories site area: 133.79 m2 total floor area: 138.601 m2