in the foothills of the japanese alps in azumino, MoY architects has completed ‘azumino house’ for a couple and their two children. the modest dwelling, which spans a total built area of 1,507 ft2 (140 m2), is designed to maximize its scenic location and to accommodate the changing needs of the family.

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

images by ichiro mishima

 

 

the husband has two bases, one here and in tokyo, while the wife often invites people home for her work. after consultation with the clients, MoY architects designed the house around three main points: creating a space where people can gather and enjoy the surrounding natural environment; finding the best way to exist on the border between woods and fields; affording flexibility to accommodate future needs.

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

 

 

in order to realize a large internal space that opens out to both the fields at the front and woods at the rear, the design is composed of two L-shaped volumes that are placed on a ring-like structure and covered by a gable roof. this results in two solid parts at either end of the house, and a light and airy social space in between.

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

 

 

arranged around a central point of symmetry, the master bedroom is located on the east-facing side of the house while the kids’ bedrooms are to the west. these two bedrooms could be easily transformed once the children leave the house in years to come. there are also two mezzanine levels that could be used as a snug or office space. the exterior of the house is clad in darkened timber while inside, natural wood and white surfaces dominate, resulting in a light yet warm home that captures views of the tranquil scenery outside.  

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

MoY architects completes a family home in the foothills of azumino, japan designboom

 

 

project info:

 

project name: house azumino
location: azumino, nagano, japan
architecture firm: MoY architects (motoki yamamoto)
structural design: ryoma murata building studio
built area: 1,507 ft2 (140 m2)
year: 2020
photography: ichiro mishima | @ichiromishima

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom