Architects: FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects
Area: 158,65 m²
Year: 2019
Photography: Norihito Yamauchi, Yoshihiro Asada
Lead Architect: Kouichi Kimura
City: Shiga
Country: Japan
Tranquil House, a residential building designed by FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects in Shiga, Japan, enhances visual expansion and privacy. Completed in 2019, the design aligns with the northern axis to maximize views, while strategically placed walls and openings create a dynamic spatial experience. The house integrates indoor and outdoor elements, fostering continuity and tranquility.
The site is located along a busy highway, adjacent to a concrete factory operated by the client and a traditional Japanese house where the parents reside. Due to the mixed environment, the design aims to produce visual expansion while blocking views from the surroundings. The house aligns its axis with the north side to provide the widest view, arranging spaces to extend from the entrance to the back terrace. The recessed entrance is framed by a symmetric façade composed of volumes, with a thick central wall adding depth and acting as an “Eye Stop” to maintain privacy.
Upon entering the hall, tall volumes welcome guests with natural light from above. Seamless glass sidewalls create a perspective effect, enhancing the visibility of the space beyond. Two rough-textured walls guide visitors toward the living room, with a flexible door in the passageway that can be opened or closed to create diverse spatial experiences.
The connected living and dining spaces are encompassed within a large volume, segmented by varying ceiling heights and floor levels. Carefully planned openings allow light to create shadows and textures, adding depth to the space.
At the end of the area extending from the entrance, an open space incorporates scenes and light. A room that extends the living room leads to a surrounding terrace, enhancing the sense of openness.
Tiles used in the room and terrace enhance continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The glass wall on the north side frames the view, enriching the house’s overall impression. The sequence of spaces along the axis generates tranquility, offering exquisite aesthetics to daily life.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Shiga, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
