nadamoto yukiko architects: roji

‘roji’ by nadamoto yukiko architects in yoichi-cho, hokkaido, japan all images courtesy nadamoto yukiko architects

japanese firm nadamoto yukiko architects has sent us images of their new project ‘roji, a residence and cafe designed for a couple in their 30s in yoichi-cho, hokkaido. ‘roji’, which means alley in japanese, organizes its internal spaces around a central passageway that runs through the house.

looking up to the second level

to create an authentic atmosphere of an alleyway, the diagonally-running corridor features faceted edges that compress and expand the width of the hallway. rooms on the upper level feature small windows that overlook the circulatory spine, offering sight lines to visually connect the living space. simple, decorative arches break up the double-height void while simultaneously serving as an abstract reference to european alleys.

view down the central corridor

double height void

second-storey

located on the north east corner of the house, the cafe is dissociated from the residence with a dramatic change in colour palette. finished in a dark shade similar to that of coffee, the two-storey cafe offers privately scaled areas for an intimate atmosphere.

staircase in the cafe

second level – cafe

exterior view

(left) floor plan / level 0 (right) floor plan / level +1

section

perspective drawing