studio synapse: house in yonomori

‘house in yonomoriy’ by studio synapse in tomioka, fukushima pref, japan all images courtesy studio synapse image © koichi torimura

‘house in yonomori’ by japanese architecture atelier studio synapse (mikiya ueki, saori ueki) is a single-storey private residence on a triangular site in tomioka, fukushima, japan. playing off the shape of the plot as a catalyst for the design, the low-lying dwelling is a composition of three box-like volumes that pivot and overlap around a central courtyard.

aerial view image © koichi torimura

stepping away from the plot line to create an outdoor parking space as well as a corner kitchen garden, the exterior expression is simply clad in a dark grey metallic skin. the main entrance is delineated through a large sliding glass doorway which opens on to the gravel yard. featuring gaps and angular chasms between volumes, the arrangement of the house is transparent from the street.

north elevation image © koichi torimura

entrance image © koichi torimura

focusing around the courtyard placed at the heart of the layout, the interior composes pockets of spaces around the lightwell. the circulation wraps around the core, providing a fluid access to all wings of the house. the tapered moments where the boxes overlap provide a level of privacy and definition from individual zones while maintaining a sense of connection between all members of the household. the interior is well-illuminated by natural daylight and a dialogue is established between the indoors and outdoors.

interior view image © koichi torimura

elevated courtyard image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

from living / dining space image © koichi torimura

view from bedroom image © koichi torimura

pleated wall creating tapered separation image © koichi torimura

(left) bathroom looking out on to terrace (right) stairs up to roof level images © koichi torimura

floor plan