concrete blocks and angled timber beams shape up weekend house in kyoto

Weekend house in Kyotango stands near Hacchohama’s surf spot

HIDEO ARAO ARCHITECTS in collaboration with tamari architects design Weekend House in Kyotango as a retreat and guest lodging for a couple who share a passion for surfing. Situated on the western edge of the Tango Peninsula in northern Kyoto Prefecture, the residence enjoys the gentle sounds of waves and ocean breeze, standing in close proximity to a small hill and to the renowned surf spot, Hacchohama, along the Japan Sea. Amidst the ongoing lumber shortage and material price surge, the project aims to create a minimal space that transcends the typical vacation home, serving as a base camp to relish the surrounding nature, whether sea or mountains, exploring the possibility to replicate similar spaces in different locations. Diverging from generic, prefab alternatives, the design pursues a balance between universality and a distinctive identity, attempting to demonstrate the concept of a second base with its unique character.

HIDEO ARAO ARCHITECTS opts for a minimal structural framework

The framework takes shape with minimal use of core structural elements. Utilizing easily obtainable concrete blocks, the outer walls encircle all four sides of the structure. Glass is inserted into the gaps between the blocks and the eaves to create the internal spaces. The primary structure’s perimeter adheres to an economic and spatial logic, shaped as a square. Internal beams, angled at 45 degrees, align with the climbing beams of the square-shaped roof, following the positioning of the utility core. The formation of the utility core shapes intriguing space dynamics amidst the concrete blocks, accommodating site-level disparities with varying floor levels. To achieve a rhythmic balance, the design team applies continuous horizontal windows, mirroring block specifications. In this compact square configuration, open space unfolds unhindered by the structural framework.

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project info:

name: Weekend house in Kyotango
architect: HIDEO ARAO ARCHITECTS | @haa.jp

collaboration: tamari architects | @tamari_architects

location: Kyotango, Kyoto, Japan

photography: Yosuke Ohtake | @yosukeohtake_archiphoto

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