motoki asano of spray designs multi-generational house in wakayama

motoki asano of spray designs multi-generational house in wakayama
all images courtesy of spray

the ‘house in wakayama’ was designed by motoki asano of architecture studio spray in wakayama, japan. the residence hosts four generations of a single family; eight people in total, ranging from a one year old baby to his great-grandmother. the dwelling has a traditional grid-based design, and is constructed primarily with wood to keep costs low.

an overhanging eave surrounds the home  

there’s very little decoration both inside and outside the home. a large gabled roof made of titanium-zinc alloy is the primary aesthetic feature, and acts as a covering for the veranda that runs along the structure’s perimeter. inside, bedrooms are positioned in a checkered pattern throughout. a large central living room on the first floor is the primary commons area, and other rooms branch outwardly from there. ‘house in wakayama’ seems maze-like regardless of its simple organization, thus feeling more expansive than it really is. 

street-side approach 

front entrance 

kitchen: hallway to japanese room straight ahead, living room space to the right 

japanese room with tatami floor, view to living room and stairwell to second floor 

opposite, a structural feature allows the second floor office space to be seen from the ground level 

second floor living room, stairs to dining area and ladder to first floor 

from dining area, stairs to ground floor far right — left of column leading to hallway 

hallway leading from above picture through doorway to the left 

construction process 

‘house in wakayama’ at night 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom