‘house of maple leaves’ by edward suzuki architecture, karuizawa, japan image © yasuhiro nukamura all images courtesy of edward suzuki architecture

positioned amidst a forested setting in karuizawa, japan is the ‘house of maple leaves’, a villa by japanese practice edward suzuki architecture. wrapped with balconies and verandas, the wooden structure employs passive energy techniques established in the landmark katsura imperial villa in kyoto. paths for air circulation filter between the exterior and interior providing adequate cross ventilation with operable windows to minimize excess humidity. translucent japanese screens printed with a graphic of blowing maple leaves partially enclose various rooms to allow air to pass through the space.

the south-facing elevation is transparent glass windows with insulated double panes and sashes. seasonal trees shade the strong summer sun while exposed branches welcome the warming and low-angle rays of winter. solar heat gain within the living area rises and collects within the double-storey height ceiling. running the length of the facade, radiant hot water heating within the floor serves as a backup system.

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 2 south elevation image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 3 terraces line the south-facing elevation image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 4 patio image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 5 screen closed image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 6 screen open image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 7 upper level corridor image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 8 view to the living area image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 9 living area image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 10 (left) living room (right) kitchen images © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 11 maple screen partially open image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 12 maple screen closed image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 13dining area image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 14 screen detail image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 15 (left) stairs (right) bathroom images © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 16 image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 17 illuminated at night image © yasuhiro nukamura

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 18 floor plan / level 0

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 19 floor plan / level 1

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 20 roof plan

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 21 section

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 22 elevation

edward suzuki architecture: house of maple leaves - 23 diagrammatic section

project info:

location: karuizawa, japan design period: april —november 2009 construction period: december 2009— november 2010 structure: wood frame (se) site area: 6182.97m2 ground coverage: 512.00m2 floor areas: 1f 402.50m2, 2f 274.75m2 total floor area: 677.25m2