naoi architecture & design office: riverside house

‘riverside house’ by naoi architecture & design office in ibaraki prefecture, japan
all images courtesy naoi architecture & design office

japanese atelier naoi architecture & design office (katsutoshi naoi, noriko naoi) has sent us
images of their newest project, ‘riverside house’, a two-storey dwelling located along the bank
of the tone river in ibaraki prefecture. designed for a couple, the residence seeks to capitalize on
its proximity to the water by creating a structure that seemingly disappears, allowing the interior
to engage in direct dialogue with its immediate landscape.

river-facing facade

featuring floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, the upper-level living space is developed as
one continuous area, resulting in an open and flexible atmosphere. the gable roof form provides
ample vertical space as well as funnels views towards the water. a wooden platform, elevated 60 cm,
serves as the connecting spinal circulation between the public and private programs, offering a
different vantage point while defining the different areas of the interior. fronted by a covered balcony
that runs the whole length of the house, the boundary between inside and outside is made ambiguous.

(left) exterior view
(right) ground floor interior

the ground floor level features a gust room that also offers direct visual access to the river.
a slideable door featuring horizontal wooden slats creates an interior space that is permeable
to natural sunlight as well as sight lines.

view from living space

interior view

dining and kitchen

elevated circulation platform and view

(left) circulation
(right) exterior profile

balcony space

street view

site plan and level 0

floor plan / level +1