Japanese architecture

On two adjacent plots with a total area of 894 square metres, two detached single-storey houses from the 1960s have been transformed into one coherent architectural composition. Designed by Thomas Wyss, the project brings together Japanese-inspired details, natural materials and a deep sensitivity to landscape. Jürg Zimmermann Rather than allowing the architecture to dominate its setting, the design creates a calm dialogue with the garden. Water, stone, trees and carefully framed views become part of the spatial experience. Inside and outside are closely connected, with large openings, natural timber, stone surfaces and refined detailing guiding the eye towards the surrounding greenery. Jürg Zimmermann For the fa&ccedi... More

The site is located in one of Osaka’s central districts, a neighborhood where informal streets and narrow lanes weave through a mix of row houses, new residences, small shops, and temples. The area retains a warm, down‑to‑earth atmosphere rooted in its older character, and I wanted to create a home that would settle naturally into this context. Yosuke Ohtake Yosuke Ohtake Yosuke Ohtake But what does it mean for architecture to “settle in”? It involves layers of naturalness, time, subjectivity, and objectivity—elements that are difficult to define logically. It is essential yet inherently unstable, shifting with human emotion. In a dense urban environment where public and private realms overlap, this b... More

R/URBAN DESIGN OFFICE has completed the renovation of Fuu Oimachi by LATIERRA, a former corporate dormitory in the Oimachi area of Tokyo, transforming it into a rental residence with integrated communal facilities. The project marks the first renovation and conversion within the LATIERRA urban rental housing series developed by Tokyo Gas Real Estate. Kenya Chiba Originally built in 1991 as a women’s corporate dormitory, the building contained administrative and communal functions on the ground floor, with 52 private units of approximately 20 square metres each on the upper floors. During the renovation, the removal of former management functions freed up space that could be reorganised for residents, allowing former administrati... More

“Nazuna Kyoto Higashihonganji” is a renovation project of a Kyoto townhouse (machiya) that has stood for over 100 years, located on the main street directly in front of the Goei-do Gate of Higashi Honganji Temple. Kenta Hasegawa Kenta Hasegawa Kenta Hasegawa This machiya consists of two buildings, originally separated into east and west wings, which have now been connected by a roof. The structure bears the marks of numerous renovations over the years, blending old and new elements. During the dismantling process, as we uncovered the history of the building, we found structural weaknesses that had developed over time. Reinforcements were made to ensure its stability, while preserving as much of the original woode... More

Estelle Residence is a calm and considered family home inspired by the elegance of Japanese architecture. Tucked away in a quiet Melbourne suburb, the design creates a true urban sanctuary — a place to unwind, connect, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. Matthew Mallett   Matthew Mallett Matthew Mallett A cantilevered glass first floor captures sweeping views of the treetops, inviting natural light and greenery deep into the home. Inside, warm timbers, concrete and steel are layered with restraint, balancing softness and strength. The sculptural staircase becomes a defining moment — simple, refined, and beautifully grounded in nature. Matthew Mallett Matthew Mallett Hints of the original home ar... More

When I began designing my own house in the center of Amami Island, I never imagined it would eventually be disconnected from the power grid. Yet, as environmental degradation accelerates and extreme weather becomes the norm, that choice became inevitable. The decision was catalyzed by a mountain I purchased three years earlier—a place where I began developing my own micro-infrastructure to live independently, preparing for unforeseen crises while envisioning new forms of resilience in aging, depopulated regions. toshihisa ishii toshihisa ishii toshihisa ishii toshihisa ishii toshihisa ishii Implementing full self-sufficiency deep in the mountains proved difficult. The main challenge was the island’s sur... More

I have been exploring what a house might be if it could resonate with people across different nations, cultures, and eras. It is neither a lavish, luxurious residence nor a minimalist white cube. Rather, I believe it is a house that quietly absorbs the atmosphere of its place while retaining a timeless and universal sense of beauty. The site is a flagpole-shaped lot located amid a mixture of traditional Japanese houses and contemporary developer-built homes, a place that reflects an ongoing transition of time. With a limited budget, and in designing a house for a family of five suited to this place, the image I had in mind was that of a traditional Japanese house. Timber framing is exposed through shinkabe construction (shinkabe: a traditio... More

Set on a unique stretch of river-meandering land, Pointing Dog by Johnston Architects (JA) reflects the distinct spirit of the Methow Valley, a region known for its natural beauty, creative energy, and strong sense of community. The home’s design blends classic lodge design elements with the refined detail and craftsmanship of Japanese architecture. Benjamin Drummond Benjamin Drummond Benjamin Drummond Benjamin Drummond Benjamin Drummond Anchored around light, comfort, and connection, Pointing Dog features several distinctive elements, including cozy alcove spaces, a kitchen tailored for a former pastry chef, and a small custom sauna designed as a scaled version of the main house.  Sun-conscious design... More

Adong is a Japanese-inspired dining space in Bielsko-Biała, designed as a serene architectural composition rather than a themed interior. The project translates core principles of Japanese architecture — harmony, rhythm and material honesty — into a contemporary restaurant experience. ANNA GRUSZKOWSKA ANNA GRUSZKOWSKA ANNA GRUSZKOWSKA ANNA GRUSZKOWSKA The main dining hall is organised as a calm spatial grid. Modular timber panels line the walls, defining the space through repetition and proportion. Indirect light integrated into each segment accentuates the horizontal order of the interior, creating a warm and immersive backdrop that supports focus and togetherness at the table. Above the guests, suspended... More

Gallery House（MASAKI SUZUKI ARCHITECTS） "Gallery-like house" ​     This is a renovation of a 41-year-old steel-framed maisonette dwelling unit in the city. The 1st and 2nd floors are rental offices, and the 3rd and 4th floors are a residential unit. Before the renovation, the 3rd floor was used as a private lodging facility, but the owner changed, and the plan was changed to a new family plan for a couple and two children. Before the renovation, there were two entrances, one for the private lodging and one for the residential unit, but after the renovation, there was only one entrance, and the walls on the 3rd floor were almost removed. Instead of having a partition at the entrance, a high counter was placed to create a buf... More

"Renovation and Authenticity" A four-and-a-half-tatami-mat tea ceremony room was designed in a condominium unit. The client is an Omotesenke (a member of the Omotesenke school of tea ceremony) and is familiar with the tea ceremony. The client wanted a tea room that could be used for tea ceremonies, and while the design was in the "Gyo" style, as in "Shin", "Gyo", and "Sou" for Japanese tea room styles, it was also in harmony with the interior of the relatively new condominium. Caption The walls and sliding doors of the room, which was originally a bedroom facing the living room, were dismantled to make way for a tea room that could be opened and closed with shoji screens to the living room, while retaining the sash and air condi... More

Renovation of a 1960s Wooden House in Kimitsu: Embracing History with Subtle Modernization Located in the serene Kimitsu area of Chiba, this 1960s wooden house had been vacant for several years before its owner decided to take on its renovation. Initially attempting the work himself, he soon realized the project required more time and dedication than he could manage. Wanting to see the house used and appreciated again, he turned to Roovice’s Kariage initiative, which helps bring new life to vacant properties while respecting their history. By revitalizing these spaces at no cost to owners, the initiative offers a practical solution to Japan’s growing akiya (empty dwellings) problem. Akira Nakamura Akira Nakamura Ak... More

This project was to renovate a 90-year-old house on the edge of a hillside in Kamakura, Japan into an atelier. It is a new annex to the main house where the clients spend most of their time. They wanted a space to invite artists and culinary experts and enjoy creative time together or entertain their friends.  Satoshi Nagare Satoshi Nagare Satoshi Nagare The building is situated on a flat site in the middle of a steep cliff, characteristic of Kamakura, with a size just large enough for a single house. When the architect was first called to the site, the floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment of the house had all been removed, leaving only its framework, with its original room layout unrecognizable. The old wooden pillar... More

Nestled in the heart of the captivating snow haven of Niseko, a renowned international ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan, a visionary development project named 'Grand Tsuru' unfolds. Situated just a 2-minute drive from the lively international ski slopes, the project seamlessly integrates into the natural landscape along a serene forest road. The property encompasses three expansive plots surrounded by majestic silver birch and oak trees, with a discreet fourth plot hosting the water supply facility. David Giral Photography David Giral Photography David Giral Photography Inspired by Japanese culture and nature's beauty, 'Grand Tsuru' is an architectural masterpiece. The name, meaning 'crane' in Japanese, symbolizes the project's... More