silver panels mirror japanese cityscape on goya schröder’s wooden-framed residence

GOYA SCHRÖDER’s residence draws from japanese tradition

Swiss architecture studio GOYA SCHRÖDER & Associates presents House in Kurume, a project located in a residential area near Kurume City, Japan. The team revisits the traditional forms of the Townhouse (Machiya) and Farmhouse (Nōka) to meet the demands of urban living. A grid layout divides the plan into squares based on the Japanese measuring system. At the same time, a wooden frame unites the interior and extends to the exterior, creating screened spaces and regulating light. On the exterior, silver facade panels, blending with the industrial cityscape of Kurume, reflect the greenery of the garden and the shifting colors of the sky. 

all images by Mariko Yasaka, courtesy of GOYA SCHRÖDER & Associates

House in Kurume features well-lit, spacious interiors

Set on a small site of less than 200 square meters, Basel-based studio GOYA SCHRÖDER & Associates employs a wooden frame structure that unites interior and exterior spaces. Inside, rooms are arranged on the west side, while the garden and balconies occupy the east. Carefully sized and positioned openings allow light to enter without compromising privacy in this densely populated area. The architects elevate the main living areas to the upper floors to give the residents well-lit, spacious rooms with continuous outdoor spaces. This gesture allows for views of the surrounding landscape and reduces flood risks from the nearby Chikugo River. A large south-facing window brings in sunlight during winter, while an eave provides shade in summer months.

GOYA SCHRÖDER & Associates revisits the traditional forms of the Townhouse and Farmhouse

a grid layout divides the plan into squares

the plan is based on the Japanese measuring system

a wooden frame unites the interior and extends to the exterior

inspired from japanese design, the frame creates screened spaces and regulates light

rooms are arranged on the west side

the garden and balconies occupy the east side

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GOYA SCHRÖDER & Associates employs a wooden frame structure to link interior and exterior spaces

set on a small site of less than 200 square meters

the panels reflect the greenery of the garden and the shifting colors of the sky

House in Kurume features well-lit, spacious interiors

the architects elevate the main living areas to the upper floors

continuous outdoor spaces enhance privacy

elevating living spaces allows for views of the surrounding landscape and reduces flood risks

a large south-facing window brings in sunlight during winter

neutral tones evoke a calm atmosphere

Japanese tradition inspires the project

wooden surfaces ground the space

a pop of pink vivifies the space

lighting enhances the calm atmosphere

GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates pursues discreet openness

the plan consists of 9 squares of 9-Japanese-foot in length inside and 6 more squares outside

at night, silver panels reflect the streetlights

cross section perspective by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

east elevation by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

first floor plan by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

longitudinal section perspective by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

second floor plan by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

site plan by by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

south elevation by GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates

project info:

name: House in Kurume
architect: GOYA SCHRÖDER & associates | @goyaschroeder

location: Kurume, Japan
photographer: Mariko Yasaka | @marikoyasaka 

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: thomai tsimpou | designboom