FORM / kouichi kimura architects: gable house

‘gable house’ by FORM / kouichi kimura architects
all images courtesy FORM / kouichi kimura architects
photography by takumi ota

‘gable house’ by FORM / kouichi kimura architects is a single-storey dwelling in shiga, japan. located next to a busy arterial road, the design aims to subtract the noise and disruption from the street to facilitate a peaceful living space. a sense of openness and privacy is achieved through careful slicing and layering of wall elements.

living/dining area below the elevated study nook

the largest space in the house is the living and dining area. located on the north end of the 82m2 dwelling,
the room is fronted by a wall-length window which looks out to a generous outdoor terrace.
in order to edit out views of the nearby road, a reinforced concrete wall serves as a second facade.
noise is further cancelled by a suspended half wall beyond the terrace. the ability to fully open
the sliding windows expands the living space over its built volume.

built-in furniture by the outdoor terrace

to accommodate for the lack of windows that allow in direct sunlight, the design utilizes
a number of skylights and clerestories to amply illuminate the interior. built-in furniture pieces
including a bench that frames the main window provide spontaneous seating opportunities,
eliminating the need for extraneous furniture.

(left) platformed hallway
(right) living room bench by the terrace

living space

overlooking the living and dining space is an elevated study space. equipped with panels of light
polished wood on the floor and walls, the vertical offsetting of the room provides separation from
the rest of the house while still maintaining an air of openness. in a similar manner to the study nook,
a small bedroom is accommodated off the main circulation route on an elevated platform.
in order to make the small space seem spacious, a curtain is used instead of a traditional wall
to separate the rooms.

view of the living space from the study room