floating white eave slices through black volume of wooden residence by airhouse in japan

airhouse introduces wooden house for two families in japan

Airhouse completes a two-family wooden house in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, introducing an expansive eave structure. One of the main design challenges was accommodating a roofed parking space within the constraints of a narrow front road that complicates vehicle maneuvering. To address this, the architects push the building as far back as possible on the site, making way for a wide, pillar-free white eave that contrasts with the rest of the black rectangular volume of the building. 

the eave provides parking space and semi-public gathering space

With the eave, the Japanese architecture office Airhouse provides covered parking for up to four cars, enabling smooth passage for the vehicles of the owners and alleviating congestion and stress. Beyond its functionality, this element extends its role into the communal fabric of the neighborhood. Acting as a sheltered approach to the entrance of the House in Okazaki and semi-public gathering space, it promotes connection among residents and neighbors. The design further integrates a roof over the garden of the parents’ household, creating a comfortable outdoor environment housing shared experiences.

Inside, the house adheres to the client’s preferences for a serene environment. Positioned in a dense residential area, the layout employs stairwells as light wells, ensuring natural illumination while maintaining a sense of connectivity between the two families. A warm beige palette dominates the rooms, complemented by solid tamogami wood and shoji screens that evoke a refined Japanese aesthetic. 

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project info:

name: House in Okazaki

architect: Airhouse | @keiichi_kiriyama

location: Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

structure: Ohno Japan
contractor: Sanmoku Kougyo

photographer: Toshiyuki Yano