yashima architect & associates builds 37 sqm weekend house on the shores of japanese lake

located on the shores of shinano’s lake nojiri, nagano prefecture, japan, this small weekend villa by yashima architect & associates packs all necessary functions for a four-member family within 36.73 sqm. the 5m x 5m house is built to endure all seasons, as its surrounding area is known for heavy snowfalls with two to three meters of snow during wintertime.

yashima architect & associates has built the weekend villa for a client who lives in the town of hayama, kanagawa prefecture, and wants to spend half his week within nature to restore inner balance. tucked among the trees and greenery of the quasi-national park of lake nojiri, the compact structure exists in harmony with its surroundings while catering to the needs of the owner’s family of four, packing within its small interior a kitchen, dining room, attic, shower and more. in order to prevent moisture and snow from attacking the building’s envelop during wintertime, the architects have raised up the structure on the first floor as a reinforced concrete construction, while main spaces are located on the second floor, enclosed by a wooden skin.

project info:

name: small house on lake nojiri

architect: yashima architect & associates

structural design: ichigo yajima / yashima architects

main use: villa

site area: 2159 m2

building area: 25.05 m2

total floor area: 36.73 m2

location: shinano, nagano prefecture, japan

mixed structure: first floor reinforced concrete construction + second floor wood