‘echigo-tsumari art house’ by bakoko in niigata, japan all images courtesy of bakoko
tokyo-based design practice ‘bakoko‘ has released the renderings of their ‘echigo-tsumari art house’ in rural niigata, japan.
the structure acts as a residency, studio space and gallery for the international artists exhibiting in the echigo-tsumari art triennial.
the structure acts as a residency, studio space and gallery for the international artists exhibiting in the echigo-tsumari art triennial.
the form is derived from traditional japanese gatehouses, allowing both the residents and visitors to pass through the building.
the act of walking through the house translates metaphorically, as it is also the boarder between various cultural customs which
can be discovered through the exhibitions held within. the interior central opening is the core of the gallery space,
with upper and lower display areas surrounding it. in the summer, the back facade becomes an amphitheater for outdoor performance.
the act of walking through the house translates metaphorically, as it is also the boarder between various cultural customs which
can be discovered through the exhibitions held within. the interior central opening is the core of the gallery space,
with upper and lower display areas surrounding it. in the summer, the back facade becomes an amphitheater for outdoor performance.
the opening through the structure is reminiscent of traditional japanese gatehouses
rural niigata is known for its heavy winter snowfall. to reduce the weight of the snow on the structure,
the roof is an asymmetrical facetted triangle. the outward projection of the sloped peak creates shade on the southern elevation.
sliding glass curtains allow the opening to be closed off, creating a green-house effect in the colder seasons and naturally heating the interior.
the black cladding is local sugi (cedar) which is preserved through a charring process, integrating the architectural tradition
of the area into the art house.
the roof is an asymmetrical facetted triangle. the outward projection of the sloped peak creates shade on the southern elevation.
sliding glass curtains allow the opening to be closed off, creating a green-house effect in the colder seasons and naturally heating the interior.
the black cladding is local sugi (cedar) which is preserved through a charring process, integrating the architectural tradition
of the area into the art house.
located amidst a natural landscape
view from above
pointed roof shades the south side from the sun
contains an opening and closing glass wall
central opening expands curatorial possibilities
rendering of exhibition
the triangular roof reduces snow build-up during the winter months
KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
bakoko (5)
Jan 12, 2013
Oct 28, 2012
Aug 23, 2011
Aug 09, 2010
Dec 07, 2025'what if one of the building industry’s most hazardous materials could become one of its most promising?’
connections: +670
with the legendary architect's passing, we are revisiting the buildings that redefined what architecture could look and feel like.
connections: +210
Nov 26, 2025the founders of amateur architecture studio have been appointed curators of the 20th international architecture exhibition, opening may 8th, 2027.
connections: 12
Nov 13, 2025the project sits like a ring placed over the terrain, with its funnel-like roof forming a shaded perimeter walkway and an introverted core.
