mikio tai/architect cafe: house in akiya

‘house in akiya’ by architect cafe/mikio tai in ama-cho, japan all images courtesy architect cafe/mikio tai

tokyo-based firm architect cafe (mikio tai) has sent us images of ‘house in akiya’, a two-storey private dwelling located next to a beach in ama-cho, japan. asymmetrical in its profile, the house funnels its form and views towards the water, arranging its interior space in a simple and unobstructed manner.

street view

featuring an over-extended facade that creates a solid presence next to the road, the design channels most of its windows towards the view of the landscape to the west. the centrally placed entrance leads into an open space that looks onto an outdoor garden. a bedroom is placed to one side while the bathroom unit is placed on an elevated platform. by splitting the floor into partial levels, the continuous space is defined without the aid of wall units.

street facade

entrance

the living, dining and kitchen area is hosted on the upper level, which is lined on one side with a continuous strip of windows. exposed wooden beams rhythmically distinguish the ceiling, drawing sight lines towards the ocean. on the south side, a generous outdoor terrace is created which is accessed through a set of sliding glass doors. largely finished with wood, the space possesses a natural, cabin-like atmosphere.

ground floor

upper level kitchen and living space

view from the outdoor terrace at night

in context

exterior view from the south

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

section

east elevation

west elevation

south elevation

north elevation