wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan

lauan plywood walls, grooves for partitions, and curtain rails enable flexible space division and easy customization.

shota kuwana edited by christina vergopoulou September 18, 2024 4 min

architrip Expands living spaces into the natural surroundings

Architrip designed a house in the suburbs of Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, that blends indoor and outdoor living, extending the family’s lifestyle beyond the home into the surrounding garden. Positioned on a 400 sqm site, the residence emphasizes a fluid connection between the built structure and the natural environment. The central layout of the house is organized around the water facilities, creating continuous living spaces that facilitate movement and interaction for the family.

The design incorporates an earthen floor and a space under the eaves that wraps around the wooden house, encouraging movement around the perimeter and offering seating areas similar to a traditional porch. This feature merges the inside and outside environments, providing opportunities for the family to engage with the garden and nature. The layout, without dead ends, creates a free-flowing space where children can move and play throughout the house while maintaining a connection with other family members.

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 1 — all images by Sakumaru

family house’s wooden frame arranges an open, airy layout

The interior of the house is designed with an open, airy feel by integrating the attic space without a ceiling. Large, sweeping windows facing the earthen floor enhance the sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Although the interior measures a compact 60 sqm, the inclusion of the exterior spaces under the eaves and the earthen floor expands the living area to approximately 100 sqm. This design strategy balances the need for manageable maintenance and utility costs with a spacious living environment.

The designers at Architrip constructed a wooden frame for the house and interior walls of lauan plywood, providing a customizable surface for the DIY-inclined homeowner. Pre-installed grooves for partitions and curtain rails allow for flexibility in dividing or expanding spaces as the family’s needs evolve. This adaptability ensures the home can grow with the family over time, adjusting to different life stages while maintaining a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 2 — Architrip’s design blends indoor and outdoor living, extending the home into the surrounding garden

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 3 — the house, located in the suburbs of Sukagawa City, sits on a spacious 400 sqm site

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 4 — an earthen floor and space under the eaves wrap around the house, allowing seamless movement

architrip-house-sukagawa-japan-designboom-1800-2 — seating areas under the eaves serve as porches, encouraging interaction with the natural surroundings

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 5 — large windows enhance the connection between the interior and the surrounding garden

architrip-house-sukagawa-japan-designboom-1800-3 — the attic space is integrated without a ceiling, giving the interior an airy, open feel

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 6 — the house is constructed with a wooden frame and lauan plywood interior walls for flexibility

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 7 — the house maintains a close relationship with its natural environment, integrating nature into daily life

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 8 — grooves for partitions and curtain rails enable flexible space division as the family’s needs change

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 9 — the design emphasizes adaptability, allowing the home to evolve with the family’s lifestyle

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 10 — lauan plywood walls allow for easy customization by the DIY-inclined homeowner

wooden house by architrip extends fluily into surrounding garden in japan - 11 — the central layout is organized around water facilities, creating fluid and connected living spaces

project info:

name: Expanding lifestyles through going around

architects: Architrip/Shota Kuwana | @architrip.inc + Ryota Hiraoka

lead architect: Shota Kuwana

construction: Links Co., Ltd.

site area: 417.28 sqm
building area: 57.96 sqm
total floor area: 57.96 sqm

location: Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

photography: Sakumaru | @sakumaru.glaughy.inc

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