Architects: Taichi Nishishita Architect & Associates
Area: 77 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Hirokazu Fujimura
Manufacturers: Arata Inc., KYOEI LUMBER, Yodogawa Steel Works
Lead Architect: Taichi Nishishita
City: Iyo
Country: Japan
A house designed by Taichi Nishishita Architect & Associates in Iyo, Japan is tailored for security and depth, emphasizing quality over quantity in its 77 sqm floor area. This project delivers a sense of spaciousness, incorporating a large roof that unites the garden, earthen floor, and LDK.
The property, intended for inhabitants in their 60s, is uniquely positioned with road access to the south but surrounded by neighboring houses. This layout presented a challenge in creating a secure, enclosed feel on the property. The architect envisioned transforming this constraint into a cozy, cave-like environment through the strategic design of small, interconnected spaces under a unifying large roof.
Despite its compact size of just under 77 square meters, the residence feels expansive due to the clever integration of the garden, earthen floor, and living-dining-kitchen area (LDK) under one large roof. This design choice enhances the spatial experience, providing the openness of a much larger home without feeling confined.
The residence also accommodates a spacious area for cars, a necessity for the homeowners. A thoughtful flow from the garage to the entrance under the extended eaves enriches the daily experience. The choice of materials—rustic, warm, and tactile—supports a homely quality, prioritizing substance in every detail. This project reflects a deep consideration of “quality” as it applies to creating a final, fulfilling residence.
The clients, although aging, lead active lives and desire to continue doing so in this space. The home is designed to enrich their daily experiences, offering a comforting, secure backdrop as they navigate later life stages.
Water droplets glisten in the morning sunlight after the garden’s trees are watered. The fresh greenery dazzles at the windows. Reflected light from the earthen floor envelops the ceiling, enhancing its beauty. The ever-changing northern sky, framed by a window, presents a dynamic view. Low winter sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the earthen floor. The sound of the wood stove’s crackling flame fills the air. The architecture, aging gracefully alongside its inhabitants, adds to the home’s character.
Life here appears calm and ordinary at a glance. Yet, a closer look reveals a world brimming with change. The design aspires for the occupants to find profound happiness in their everyday lives, appreciating the subtle transformations around them.
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Project Location
Address: Iyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
