yusuke ando architects completes a ‘house of six lightened ceilings’ in japan

the saw-tooth roof

yusuke ando architects completes its ‘house of six lightened ceilings,’ a dwelling nestled among a residential area beneath a sweeping mountain range. the structure is defined by its saw-tooth roof and sloped ceilings, a strategy which serves to expand the interior space while reflecting the mountainous peaks of its natural context of niihama, japan.

in designing the house of six lightened ceilings, the design team responds to the client’s request for a timber, one-story house that could ‘cherish family ties.’ while the exterior is clad in metal sheeting, the wooden finish along the interior provides this warm and welcoming atmosphere.

images © taisuke tsurui

the six lightened ceilings

in designing its ‘house of six lightened ceilings,’ the team at yusuke ando architects celebrates natural interior lighting. the team notes the challenge of ensuring natural sunlight deep into the center of a one-story building. this challenge led to the unique roof condition, as six triangular, north-south facing skylights were integrated into the saw-tooth roof. these skylights are aligned into three rows, as the array of sloped ceilings channels the natural light. with this strategy, sunlight is transmitted across the ceiling surface and diffused deep into the center of the space.

yusuke ando’s luminous house

yusuke ando architects elaborates on its strategy for lighting its house of six lightened ceilings: ‘for night lighting, the indirect light of the upright that illuminates the entire vertically long ceiling surface in a gradual manner is used to provide suitable and sufficient lighting. at night, the light leaking from the triangular window transforms the house like a lantern that illuminates the surroundings.’

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project info:

project title: house of six lightened ceilings
architecture: yusuke ando architects
location: niihama, japan
project architect: yusuke ando
contractor: seian kensetsu
completion: 2021
photography: © taisuke tsurui, drone images by yusuke ando architects