This home is Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, was designed by Mukoyama Architects to contain a single person's car and hobbies. The wonderful site was secured after six months of searching – dense forest spreads from the north edge of the site, while the west side houses a large cherry tree planting. The incredible surroundings are fully enjoyed from the home's interior. With a low budget, the design demonstrates a finesse in the spatial arrangement and detailing, giving the home a tasteful elegance.
Beyond the platform on which the house sits, the site drops away into the northern forest. From within the comfort of the home, looking out, one might feel at if they are in a tree house up amidst the forest canopy. The earthy mustard colour of the home feels at once bold and it does natural and at place in the environment. The home is accessed via the garage at the street level.
And, what a garage it is! The space of the car has not been an afterthought, but instead it is a very considered space that is given priority as the entrance to the home – perhaps this reflects the clients love for his car! Often the floor surface in a garage is left raw, unfinished; here, the highly polished and lacquered surface imbues the space with a sleek sophistication.
There is a slight elevation of the timber platform housing the stair to the upper level. This means two steps are needed; a device used in Japanese architecture to denote threshold, separating in from out. It elevates the moment of betweenness; between in and out, oneself and their environment or situation. This is a very subtle element of the design; but effective in it’s poetic simplicity. The change in flooring also asserts this moment of crossing, luring one into the comfort of the interior spaces with warm and textural materials.
Beneath the stairs and adjacent a window, the small office nook finds a home. A timber battened screen book ends it, separating it from the garage space. The treatment of the entire stair platform is different – not only does the floor surface change, but the ceiling finish too. The white ceiling tiles are replaced by a beautiful natural timber ceiling. The posts, the stair handrail, the stair structure and the stair steps are all timber – the only non-timber elements are the crisp white walls. Open risers, allow flight to filter down onto the office nook. Considering it is tucked away in a garage, this is a delightful entrance stair!
Above, in the open plan living space, the timber and white aesthetic continues. Large windows frame the view, and black window joinery provides a striking accent. The living space opens onto a triangular deck, nestled amongst the tree tops. The large sliders allow the space to be completely open to the deck, creating a seamless transition between inside and out. For more living space inspiration, take a look at these varied examples!
The kitchen is small, simple and minimal – located against the back wall that separates the bathroom and living space, it takes up very little of the open plan living space. It is optimally located to access the living space and outdoor balcony. For more kitchen ideas, minimal and not so minimal, take a look here!
For another wonderful Japanese home nestled in woodlands, take a look at The Contemporary Home Surrounded by Nature.