Front view look of the modern type house.

Architects: FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects
Location: Shiga, Japan
Client: Private
Construction Year: 2019
Site Area: 141,52m2
Constructed Area: 121,34m2
Design: Kouichi Kimura
Photograph : Norihito Yamauchi

About Architect

Kouichi Kimura, 1960 Born in Kusatsu City, Shiga prefecture, Japan 1991 Established FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects. “His works, mainly residences, are characterized by a poetic and functional minimalism in which a sense of openness and privacy is achieved through careful slicing and layering of wall elements, light and shadows, volumes and spaces.” – RICHARD MEIER

The site's front faces a brook and a path adorned with cherry blossom trees.
The site’s front faces a brook and a path adorned with cherry blossom trees.
The location is in a community with a serene rural setting.
The location is in a community with a serene rural setting.
The back is facing a highway that cuts through a rural area.
The back is facing a highway that cuts through a rural area.
The façade is made up of volumes with thoughtfully chosen materials, window placements, and volumetric proportions.
The façade is made up of volumes with thoughtfully chosen materials, window placements, and volumetric proportions.
The volume that the cantilever projects outward and gives the building its impressive aspect can be used both as a parking area and an approach to the entrance.
The volume that the cantilever projects outward and gives the building its impressive aspect can be used both as a parking area and an approach to the entrance.
The entrance hall, which has a low ceiling, is a versatile area that can also house guest stores.
The entrance hall, which has a low ceiling, is a versatile area that can also house guest stores.
This place has a special comfort that promotes communication thanks to the surroundings and the soft light coming through the small holes.
This place has a special comfort that promotes communication thanks to the surroundings and the soft light coming through the small holes.
The second story has a layout that makes it simple to walk around, with each area connected to a single living/dining room.
The second story has a layout that makes it simple to walk around, with each area connected to a single living/dining room.
Furthermore, the space was recorded as a three-dimensional volume by varying the height of the roof.
Furthermore, the space was recorded as a three-dimensional volume by varying the height of the roof.
Carved into the ceiling to produce a subtle gradient of light in the living room where brilliant light streams in.
Carved into the ceiling to produce a subtle gradient of light in the living room where brilliant light streams in.
The staircase's edge is highlighted by the light coming from the top light that is built into the stairway.
The staircase’s edge is highlighted by the light coming from the top light that is built into the stairway.
Additionally, the metal wall that serves as a reflector reflects the shift in light as it moves across it.
Additionally, the metal wall that serves as a reflector reflects the shift in light as it moves across it.
Incorporating light into the architectural design of the eating area is another distinctive feature.
Incorporating light into the architectural design of the eating area is another distinctive feature.
The dinner table creates the framed image and the sky's expressiveness, elevating the commonplace surroundings to the exceptional.
The dinner table creates the framed image and the sky’s expressiveness, elevating the commonplace surroundings to the exceptional.
The countertop, which has an entirely white pattern.
The countertop has an entirely white pattern.
The wooden floors and beautiful black curtain are featured in this simple yet stunning design.
The wooden floors and beautiful black curtains are featured in this simple yet stunning design.
A natural feeling is emitted by the backyard space with some greenery.
A natural feeling is emitted by the backyard space with some greenery.

The site is located in the community where a rustic landscape stretches out. It is faced with a walking path with a row of cherry trees and a small stream. In the back runs a highway among the rustic scenery.

We then made a goal to produce dialogues with the scenery in the architectural space which is built in such an environment as described above and to meet the client’s request for a house where they can live a prosperous life. The exterior is composed of volumes based on carefully examined proportions, window layout, and materials.

The overhanging cantilever which gives some impression to the exterior is effectively used as an eave for an approach to the entrance or a parking lot. The entrance hall with a low ceiling is a flexible space that can also be used for the client’s shop. The tranquil view and light from the limited opening area produce comfortableness which is unique to this space, inducing communication.

The 2nd-floor centers on the one-room living-dining connected with each space, providing a circulatory floor plan. In addition, a variety of ceiling heights allow the space to be recognized as a three-dimensional volume. I also placed importance on producing light and opening.

The light from the skylight at the staircase clearly highlights the step edges. It is also changed into various forms that are reflected onto a metal wall. The living-dining room with bright light has a coved ceiling which provides gradation of gentle light.

The manipulated lights are introduced in the architectural space to characterize each room. The look of framed scenery and the sky is produced with a furnished bench or dining table, transforming ordinary scenes into unusual ones. To live with the surrounding environment, it is important to clearly imagine what kind of scenes you will view and what you will spend your time on.

By interpreting the environment and introducing it in architecture, you will achieve new findings and fulfillment in the scenery which you have never taken for granted.

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