midorichio house in japan emerges from wooden skeleton forming a piloti

exposed wooden support describes the piloti

japanese studio TAB designed ‘midorichio’, a residence for a couple and its dog in a densely populated neighborhood in gifu city, japan. the structure is topped by an unequal pitch gable roof that adds an interesting spatial arrangement to the interior, with one eave kept low to make the most of the natural lighting. a timber light frame assembled by diagonal beams rises from a rectangular concrete slab to support the dwelling, forming a staggered layout. the upper floor stands on this frame, which was left exposed on the below level, creating a piloti.

all images courtesy of TAB

midorichio’s cozy timber interior 

the interior designed by TAB (found here) is clad entirely with wood that merges with the timber skeleton, creating a cozy warm environment. upon entering the house, the inhabitants face an elongate corridor that on the one side leads to a bedroom with an open layout and on the other to a chill-out area with a large window opening towards the green surroundings.

a wooden staircase rises up to the upper volume which serves as the living area, including the living room with a book corner, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. the whole structure is punctured from various scale openings that bring natural light inside yet maintain privacy.

‘TAB  has decided the floor plan together with the resident, being aware of the characteristics of each grid and the connections; the entrance that captures the borrowed scenery, the calm bedroom, the dining space where the morning sun enters, the kitchen where one can concentrate on cooking, and the laundry room where the wind escapes.’

light wooden staircase

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project info:

name: midorichio

architects: TAB 

location: gifu city, japan 

total area: 97 sqm (1044 sq ft)