NKS2 architects crowns japanese dwelling with a large, vessel-shaped roof

the roof curves inward, blocking surrounding views while dramatically framing the open sky from the house's private, central courtyard.

lea zeitoun May 24, 2023 4 min

‘sky vessel house’ rises dramatically amid suburban japan

In Fukuoka, Japan, the ‘Sky Vessel House’ emerges as a large, sculptural dwelling that breaks away from typical suburban architecture. Local practice NKS2 Architects completed the project for a Japanese couple endowed with a very active social life. ‘The clients often entertained visitors, for work and leisure. Therefore, they needed a spacious interior capable of accommodating a large number a guest. An open and spacious garden was also desired to host parties and other events,’ writes the practice.

NKS2 architects crowns japanese dwelling with a large, vessel-shaped roof - 1 — ‘Sky Vessel House’ tucked within a dense suburban area | all images © YASHIRO PHOTO OFFICE

a curved roof framing the open sky while offering privacy

Tucked within a densely packed neighborhood where significant traffic plagues the front road, ‘Sky Vessel House’ is designed as an open building that embraces the site’s rich landscape while offering privacy for its residents. To create such an effect, the team at NKS Architects crowned the house’s distorted circular plan and perimeter wall with an impressive vessel-shaped tile roof that gently curves inward, blocking the views from the surroundings while keeping the open sky visible from the central courtyard. ‘The curved tile roof frames the sky, collects rainwater, and softly reflects the sun’s light. Sitting on the bench in the courtyard and looking up, we can feel as if we have become a part of nature,‘ share the architects.

NKS2 architects crowns japanese dwelling with a large, vessel-shaped roof - 2 — ‘Sky Vessel House’ by NKS2 Architects

bright and open spaces boasting various heights and sizes

Structurally, the practice arranged a series of laminated timber beams in a radial fashion on the inner side to support the curving tile roof. Moreover, the distance from the center to the outer perimeter wall was gradually adjusted to ensure that each space within ‘Sky Vessel House’ has the necessary width and height. As for the perimeter wall, its composition is symmetrical in both horizontal and vertical directions and features two different radii. At its outer edge, a lush green garden invites residents and guests for a gentle respite. In line with the need for privacy, NKS2 Architects has minimized openings on that wall by merely including high sidelights and ventilation windows. The interior plaster walls, on the other hand, gently curve to serve as a backdrop for paintings and other decorations.

NKS2 architects crowns japanese dwelling with a large, vessel-shaped roof - 3 — designing a spacious and large residence to accommodate the clients’ active social life

On the courtyard side of ‘Sky Vessel House’, various large openings of different shapes allow sufficient wind, light, and greenery to weave indoors where spaces are bright and open, and wooden surfaces buzz with warmth under generous daylight. Finally, facing the front road, a garage and private entrance unfold with lower roofings, while the living and dining rooms sport larger and higher ceilings to expand the sense of space. ‘Through these methods, diverse spaces with variously sized courtyards and differences in ceiling height have been created within the contiguous space under the large roof,’ concludes the team.