giant dormer illuminates pettanco house in japan by yuji tanabe

giant dormer illuminates pettanco house in japan by yuji tanabe
all images courtesy of yuji tanabe

in matsumoto, nagano, a region often referred to as the japanese alps, local architect yuji tanabe has completed the design of a two-storey family dwelling. ‘pettanco house’ — a name which translates as ‘squashed house’ — is bordered by a river to the south and two narrow streets to the north and west. the client, who is a wood craftsmen by trade, requested that the property had a gallery space to proudly showcase his projects.

the family dwelling is bordered by two roads and a river to the south

in order to meet the tight budget, the design team kept the shape of the home relatively simple, with the gabled form interrupted only by a protruding dormer that illuminates the upper storey. primary living accommodation is found downstairs, with a wood burning stove warming the heart of the house. locally soured larch has been used for the residence’s structural frame, which is clad with durable corrugated steel.

a protruding dormer interrupts the gabled profile 

locally soured larch has been used for the structural frame

the residence is clad with corrugated steel 

primary living accommodation is found downstairs

large openings ensure that the property is naturally lit

the kitchen-diner 

a wood burning stove warms the house 

the upper level of the scheme

the dormer serves as a giant skylight 

the property illuminated at dusk

project info:

name: pettanco house
architects: yuji tanabe architects
location: matsumoto, nagano, japan
structural engineer: LFS
landscape design: honda green
furniture: atelier m4
japanese larch: rinyu housing
contractor: takeigumi
site area: 230.32 sqm
built area: 86.12 sqm
1f area: 79.5 sqm
2f area: 26.5 sqm
total floor area: 106 sqm
completed: 2015