yukiko nadamoto architects: house in kitakami

‘house in kitakami’ by yukiko nadamoto architects, kitakami, iwate, japan images © seiya miyamoto

located on a quiet residential street in kitakami, iwate, japan is ‘house in kitakami’, a single family home by japanese practice yukiko nadamoto architects. composed of curvaceous and contoured forms, the design is informed by both the internal functions and the external environs.

an operable curtain encloses the circular terrace

consisting of a single, unified space, the dwelling seeks to accommodate the separate and individual pursuits of each family member. three concave volumes interrupt the otherwise open plan, loosely defining the perimeters of each function and area.

entrance

cantilevered stairs wrap around the bowed white walls, leading inhabitants to the basement, split level office space

and private bedrooms on the second level. emphasizing the sweeping surfaces, the wood-clad steps add an element

of sculpture and complexity to the neutral, organic residence.

kitchen

the sinuosity is also evident on the outside, where a central negative core creates a welcoming entrance and courtyard. an operable translucent curtain fronts the arched facade, allowing the inhabitants to control their exposure and alter their levels of intimacy.

(left) dining room (right) view from office

(left) office (right) view from stairs

stairs

aerial view of ground floor

overlooking dining room

bedroom on second floor

in context

back

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

project info:

location: kitakami, iwate, japan project architect: yukiko nadamoto structural engineer: umezawa structural engineers structure: wooden structure floor area: 141sqm photographs: seiya miyamoto