‘rooftecture HH’ by endo shuhei architect institute in haga-cho, shiso-city, japan all images courtesy endo shuhei architect institute image © yoshiharu matsumura

osaka-based practice endo shuhei architect institute has shared with us images of ‘rooftecture HH’, a single storey private residence in haga-cho, shiso-city, japan. situated on a site punctuated by four large cherry trees with views towards the mountains, the design aims to create a living space that engages in direct dialogue with the natural outdoor elements.

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 2 within context image © yoshiharu matsumura

lying low to the ground, the house consists of four box forms of different sizes arranged on the southern tip of the triangular site. the gaps in between the charred timber-clad volumes are finished with sliding glass doors, accentuating the composition of the boxes through a play of transparency and solids. a geometric and crystal-like roof form is perched on top in the center of the cluster, lending a dynamic exterior expression to the house. at night, the three-dimensional form glows with the artificial light from within.

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 3 exterior view image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 4 approach image © yoshiharu matsumura

as requested by the client, the interior living space interacts with the light and wind of the site, drawing a sense of continuity from the exterior to the interior. the roof is constructed out of translucent glass fiber-reinforced panels, which lets in an abundant level of filtered sunlight into the space within. the center of the floor plan is a generous piano room which also serves as a loose zone for the residence’s circulation. other programs are accommodated within the box forms but maintain a level of visual connection through a series of internal windows.

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 5 interior view image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 6 translucent roof form image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 7 image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 8 internal window with a view to the main space image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 9 view from guest room image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 10 exterior view image © yoshiharu matsumura

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 11 site plan

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 12 floor plan / level 0 (1) entrance (2) piano room (3) dining room (4) kitchen (5) living room (japanese style room) (6) guest room (japanese style room) (7) bedroom (japanese style room) (8) toilet (9) washroom (10) bathroom (11) storage

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 13 section (1) entrance (2) piano room (3) bedroom

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 14 section (2) piano room

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 15 north elevation

endo shuhei architect institute: rooftecture HH - 16 south elevation

project info:

principal use: residence structure: wood site area: 1,175 m2 building area: 125.8 m2 total floor area: 125.2

construction supervision: endo shuhei architect institute contractor: yahata kensetsu co., ltd.