japanese wooden house by naoya kitamura is built around a central double-height space

kitamura naoya architects & planners has completed the K house, a one-story wooden residence for a family of four in aichi, japan, built with a double-height space at the center where all common living activities are located. its wooden construction is articulated by a grid of pillars, with each pillar built at every 1.82 m, which loosely divide the interior without restricting it. the double-height central space is surrounded by an undulating platform, which provides room for more private activities, such as bedrooms, storage, and a study.

all images by takumi ota

surrounded by other residential buildings, and situated at the end of a small alley, the house has been designed by kitamura naoya architects & planners with a focus on liveliness and sense of expansion, as well as a conscious refrain from darkness. its exterior is clad in a corrugated façade punctured by openings of various sizes that bring plenty of natural light within the interior. additionally, a tall glass sliding door connects the porch outside with the double height space inside, allowing further light and wind to enter the house.

the ground level of the 80 sqm interior is characterized by an open space, loosely defined by the grid of wooden pillars at every 1.82 m. the double-height room at the center of the house includes the kitchen, dining and living rooms, and an engawa room (japanese transitional social space between indoors and out). around it and below the platform are: a storage space, a children’s area and a tatami space. finally, the elevated platform that surrounds the central space and alternates in height provides room for three bedrooms and two lofts, which include a study and a leisure room.

project info:

name: K house

architect: kitamura naoya architects & planners

principal architect: naoya kitamura

location: aichi, japan

site area: 261.09 sqm

building area: 79.66 sqm

gross floor area: 79.66 sqm

building scope: 1F

building to land ratio: 30.51%

floor area ratio: 30.51%

structural engineer: yasuhiro kaneda