rhythmdesign combines restaurant and residence for yokaya in japan

rhythmdesign combines restaurant and residence for yokaya in japan
photo by koichi torimura
all images courtesy of rhythmdesign

for the project ‘yokaya,’ japanese architecture office rhythmdesign has combined a small yakitori restaurant with a private residence on a narrow urban site. rather than stretching the building through the full width of the property, the scheme leaves space between the new structure and its neighbors, while also receding the front façade back from the street. these strategies serve to distinguish the project among its context, despite its modest size.

space is left between the new building and the neighboring structures, distinguishing its façade
photo by koichi torimura

the façade is further distinguished by only revealing storefront windows at the ground level, while keeping fully closed walls for the house above. instead, the dwelling features an enclosed balcony, unseen from the exterior.

storefront windows are located only at the ground floor level, with no openings above
photo by koichi torimura

the ground floor restaurant features exposed timber joists
photo by koichi torimura

photo by koichi torimura

low tables create a ground-seated dining experience
photo by koichi torimura

photos by koichi torimura

the residence’s windows are located on the building’s side elevations
photo by koichi torimura

photos by koichi torimura

photo by koichi torimura

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project info:

location: fukuoka, fukuoka pref., japan
program: shop+duplex house
structure: wood
site area: 135.35 sqm
building area: 89.38 sqm
gross internal floor area: 159.47 sqm
commission date: october 2010
completion date: august 2012
architecture: rhythmdesign
project architect: kenichiro ide
design
team: kenichiro ide, tomoaki munekata
structural engineers: kuroiwa structure engineers
lighting consultant: ushio spax fukuoka
main contractor: ikohouse corporation
photography: koichi torimura