Front view of the modern type house.

Architects: FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects
Location: Shiga, Japan
Client: Private
Construction Year: 2022
Site Area: 343,39m2
Total floor area: 226,39m2
Photographs: Kenta Kawamura

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

Although the structure is modern, the design is reminiscent of a classic house, which highlights the charm of the setting.
Although the structure is modern, the design is reminiscent of a classic house, which highlights the charm of the setting.
The building is fronted by a street that, as one of the original Five Routes, once bustled with shoppers and passengers.
The building is fronted by a street that, as one of the original Five Routes, once bustled with shoppers and passengers.
The internal space's current outline is created by the dynamic way that the gable's volume and the shed roof overlap.
The internal space’s current outline is created by the dynamic way that the gable’s volume and the shed roof overlap.
This is the first thing you see as you walk inside the house: concrete white walls, brickwork flooring.
This is the first thing you see as you walk inside the house: concrete white walls, and brickwork flooring.
In addition to serving as a "sundial of light" that reflects shifting patterns of light and shadow, the tall walls also serve as a barrier to the surrounding area.
In addition to serving as a “sundial of light” that reflects shifting patterns of light and shadow, the tall walls also serve as a barrier to the surrounding area.
The order in which the light beams from the high-side windows entered.
The order in which the light beams from the high-side windows entered.
The living area is given a calm, upbeat, and remarkable atmosphere by the roof's slope and the surrounding area.
The living area is given a calm, upbeat, and remarkable atmosphere by the roof’s slope and the surrounding area.
The interior design of the living area, which is attractive and modest, creates a warm atmosphere.
The interior design of the living area, which is attractive and modest, creates a warm atmosphere.
The dining area contains wooden furniture with only four seats, flooring that matches the rest of the house, and a glass wall that provides a view of the outside.
The dining area contains wooden furniture with only four seats, flooring that matches the rest of the house, and a glass wall that provides a view of the outside.
The kitchen has full appliances and wooden cabinetry, and it coordinates with the dining area of the home.
The kitchen has full appliances and wooden cabinetry, and it coordinates with the dining area of the home.
The wooden staircase is on the opposite side of the house when you enter.
The wooden staircase is on the opposite side of the house when you enter.
As you approach the stairs to the second floor, you will see this simple wooden cabinet design and a door to another room.
As you approach the stairs to the second floor, you will see this simple wooden cabinet design and a door to another room.
A better view of the second level and staircase.
A better view of the second level and staircase.
A path leading to the opposite area of the home and a wooden staircase.
A path leading to the opposite area of the home and a wooden staircase.
The second level has high-side windows, wooden floors, and wooden cabinets in the wall.
The second level has high-side windows, wooden floors, and wooden cabinets in the wall.
Due to its natural structure, this bedroom on the second floor has a straightforward yet appealing design.
Due to its natural structure, this bedroom on the second floor has a straightforward yet appealing design.
It includes a tiny living area inside, gorgeous flower-designed lighting, and square-shaped windows that let light into the room.
It includes a tiny living area inside, gorgeous flower-designed lighting, and square-shaped windows that let light into the room.
The bedroom includes a desk for writing or studying, a large glass window above, and a simple lighting.
The bedroom includes a desk for writing or studying, a large glass window above, and simple lighting.
This is the third part of the house, and you can see the wooden floor and the small wooden table that is positioned to the side.
This is the third part of the house, and you can see the wooden floor and the small wooden table that is positioned to the side.
This bedroom's color scheme combines green, gray, and brown. It also features a mountain-viewing window, a minimalist circular table, and an innovative lamp design.
This bedroom’s color scheme combines green, gray, and brown. It also features a mountain-viewing window, a minimalist circular table, and an innovative lamp design.
This office area, which is a portion of the third floor, has a fantastic design and carpeting.
This office area, which is a portion of the third floor, has a fantastic design and carpeting.
This area of the house is dedicated to meditation while observing the outside nature.
This area of the house is dedicated to meditation while observing the outside nature.

The site faces the old highway that was once bustling with merchants and travelers. The north face is in a privileged location where a river runs across the road and you can see the mountains in the distance. The building has a modern form, but the design is reminiscent of a traditional house that draws out the charm of this location.

The dynamic form in which the volume of the gable and the shed roof overlap forms the outline of the interior space as it is. Inside, there is a sense of tranquility and openness, and the lines of circulation centered on the 3-story atrium create a variety of places to be. The tall walls block the line of sight from the surroundings, while at the same time playing the role of a “sundial of light” that reflects patterns of light and shadow that change in motion.

The sequence in which the beams of light coming in through the high-side windows that match the slope of the roof and the space blend together brings a quiet uplifting and extraordinary feeling to the living space. This house stands comfortably along a historic road, leading residents to a beautiful and rich life.

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