fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
‘hall and house’ by fuminori nousaku architects, japan

image © manuel oka

tokyo-based practice fuminori nousaku architects has created ‘hall and house’, a mixed-use live/work environment in japan.
built for a dance instructor, the residence is composed of a large light-filled studio and small private residence.

reminiscent of the archetypal home, the building seeks to disconnect itself from unsightly surroundings, the openings solely
directed on the encircling private garden. the solid massing is translated indoors where open rooms and natural illumination
highlight the vastness of space. louvers in the ceiling extend from the floor to ceiling windows, revealing skylights in the
symmetrical pitched roof above.

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
back garden
image © manuel oka


light wood panels, each identical in size are used repetitiously to clad
the ceilings and walls of the interior living environment.
the organic and tactile material softens the bold linear portions and lends a sense of warmth and acoustic soundproofing to the
overall space.

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
dance hall
image © manuel oka


a private dwelling is positioned on the second floor next to the double height studio. a series of windows open on to both the

dance hall and the corridors, allowing natural light to enter the home from multiple directions.

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
portions of the ceiling are louvered to draw natural light inside
image © manuel oka

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
(left) detail of window and louvered ceiling

(right) stairs to private dwelling
image © manuel oka

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
viewing area from residence
image © manuel oka

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
kitchen in private residence
image © manuel oka

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
physical model

image courtesy of
fuminori nousaku architects

fuminori nousaku architects: hall and house
interior shots of physical model

images courtesy of fuminori nousaku architects