‘yukarino’ by michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates, kanagawa, japan all images courtesy of michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates

‘yukarino’ is a single family residence in kanagawa, japan by japanese firm michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates. after walking down a narrow alley-like garden approach, inhabitants reach a dwelling which incorporates intimate courtyards with plantings around its perimeter, generating a sense of detachment from civilization. paths border the exterior walls creating small and enclosed outdoor gardens.

each interior room has a window which frames views to the flowers and trees. on the first floor, traditional japanese screens are used to obstruct views towards neighboring structures while transparent windows lead the eye directly to the natural and mature vegetation of nearby parks, borrowing the greenery and space of the external environment, incorporating the changing seasons into the interior experience.

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino exterior approach

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino (left) outdoor entry (right) court

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino path along perimeter of the house

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino (left) internal corridor (right) view to courtyard from interior

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino living room

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino japanese room

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino elevated view of japanese room

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino )left) stairs (right) dining room

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino dining room

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino (left) kitchen (right) garden path

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino site plan

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino floor plan / level 0

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino floor plan / level 1

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino section

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino section

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino elevation

michimasa kawaguchi architect & associates: yukarino elevation

project info:

architects: michimasa kawaguchi architects and associates location: kanagawa, japan client type: couple + 2children construction year: 2010.04. site area: 159.86 square meters total floor area: 115.74 square meters