‘house in koori’ by akio kamiya architect & associates, koori, japan image © nobuyoshi nakagiri all images courtesy of akio kamiya architect & associates
in a residential district in koori, japan, the ‘house in koori’ by okayama city-based japanese firm akio kamiya architect & associates is a contemporary interpretation of the vernacular dwelling. a base formed with planes of reinforced concrete generates the initial and indoor entry sequence. upon passing through the main portal, inhabitants immediately observe an outdoor courtyard garden, which also borders the japanese-style room, positioned around the corner.
rising to the first floor through a centrally located stair, dwellers are offered framed views of encompassed by green mountains from the common spaces and bedrooms. contrasting the cooler atmosphere of the ground floor, a warm material palette with a variety of diversely hued woods comprises the upper level. a combined kitchen, living and dining area are grouped beneath a gabled ceiling surfaced with lumber planks and exposed timber beams.
front elevation image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
corner view image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
entry hall image © akio kamiya
entry hall image © akio kamiya
view of entry from japanese-style room image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
japanese-style room image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
niche within the japanese-style room image © akio kamiya
combined kitchen, living + dining area image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
kitchen image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
view of kitchen from living area image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
access to bathroom from roof terrace image © nobuyoshi nakagiri
site plan
floor plan / level 0
floor plan / level 1
section
project info:
project name: house in koori architect: akio kamiya location: japan site area: 243.60 m2 building area: 146.53 m2 total floor area: 198.63 m2, 98.72 m2, 99.11 m2 structure: RC + wood photographs: nobuyoshi nakagiri, akio kamiya
Jan 15, 2026
Dec 30, 2025
Dec 29, 2025
Dec 23, 2025