michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino

‘yukarino’ by michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates, kanagawa, japan all images courtesy of michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates

‘yukarino’ is a single family residence in kanagawa, japan by japanese firm michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates. after walking down a narrow alley-like garden approach, inhabitants reach a dwelling which incorporates intimate courtyards with plantings around its perimeter, generating a sense of detachment from civilization. paths border the exterior walls creating small and enclosed outdoor gardens.

each interior room has a window which frames views to the flowers and trees. on the first floor, traditional japanese screens are used to obstruct views towards neighboring structures while transparent windows lead the eye directly to the natural and mature vegetation of nearby parks, borrowing the greenery and space of the external environment, incorporating the changing seasons into the interior experience.

exterior approach

(left) outdoor entry (right) court

path along perimeter of the house

(left) internal corridor (right) view to courtyard from interior

living room

japanese room

elevated view of japanese room

)left) stairs (right) dining room

dining room

(left) kitchen (right) garden path

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

section

elevation

elevation

project info:

architects: michimasa kawaguchi architects and associates location: kanagawa, japan client type: couple + 2children construction year: 2010.04. site area: 159.86 square meters total floor area: 115.74 square meters