tailored design lab crafts a gabled timber home in japan's saitama prefecture

tailored design lab crafts a gabled timber home in japan’s saitama prefecture
photography by yuji nishijima

in a rural area of saitama, japan, architect hidetoshi sawa of tailored design lab has completed a two-storey timber dwelling for a young family. neighbored by fields and farmhouses, the architects sought to develop a design that opened up onto the surroundings, taking advantage of the unspoiled views.

the 45-degree pitched roof rests on a simple wooden framework

a large roof both frames the landscape and shelters the family inside an open communal living room, placed to the south of the plot. in contrast, more private programs, including bedrooms, bathrooms and storage areas, are located to the north, establishing gradual layers of seclusion.

the architects sought to develop a design that opened up onto the adjacent landscape

made of 2×12 rafters spaced 455mm apart, the 45-degree pitched roof rests on a simple 105x105mm wooden framework and uses structural plywood to ensure that the building is resistant to earthquakes. from the upper level, a fully glazed gable presents views of the rural landscape, bathing the entirety of property in natural light.

the kitchen forms part of the home’s primary living accommodation 

emerging from the large roof, a chimney-shaped volume helps promote natural ventilation. ‘this was inspired by a small village I saw in africa,’ explains hidetoshi sawa. ‘as warm air rises and escapes through the high window, fresh air is pulled into the interior through windows on the ground floor.’

structural plywood is used to ensure that the building is resistant to earthquakes

retractable window screens allow privacy 

the property is filled with plenty of natural light

the dwelling has been designed for a young and active family

from the upper level, a fully glazed gable presents views of the rural landscape

the home is surrounded by fields and farmhouses

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project info:

architect: hidetoshi sawa / tailored design lab.
contractor: kimura kougyo co., ltd.
program: residential
location: kawagoe-city, saitama, japan
site area: 250.12 sqm
GFA: 104.35 sqm
building area: 81.98 sqm
structure: wooden
photography: yuji nishijima