Japanese architecture

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

When the design process began in the spring of 2015, the site visit highlighted a land nurtured over time, where history and nature are intertwined. On the former grounds of Takatsuki Castle, where historical elements coexist with park greenery, we sought to create a theater that would seamlessly integrate and resonate with the town as a natural extension of the landscape. Inspired by the Hokusetsu mountains to the north of Takatsuki—which have long overseen and nurtured the growth of the town—the aim was to infuse this venue with the enduring strength of the land, using timber from the Hokusetsu mountain range. The intention was to recall the charm of the castle town and the natural beauty of Takatsuki’s forests through a... More

This home is designed and constructed in the spirit of the gassho-zukuri style, which was historically common during Japan’s Edo period. Characterised by a 50-degree roof pitch to prevent snow accumulation and fallen leaves from the surrounding Yatsugatake forest, the open layout merges the living room, bedroom, and roof framework. This creates a communal space where families and friends can gather freely. The home’s seamless design integrates natural materials, like locally sourced wood and diatomaceous earth walls, offering a harmonious environment. Sobokuya-Inc.-Courtesy-of-Sobokuya_by-Sobokuya Sobokuya-Inc.-Courtesy-of-Sobokuya_by-Sobokuya Sobokuya-Inc.-Courtesy-of-Sobokuya_by-Sobokuya The kitchen is thoughtf... More

KOMORU Goshogawara is a small hotel located on the outskirts of Goshogawara in Aomori, Japan. The city of Goshogawara is surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers; Mount Bonjyu in the east, the Iwaki River with Mount Iwaki at its headwaters in the west and nearby lies with the vast Tsugaru Plain. Summer shows the tolerance and gentleness of nature, while winter makes daily life difficult and people face harsh challenges. Shotaro.O Caption Caption Originally a dwelling house for a farming family, the building dates back to the 1950s and has been empty for the last 5 years. The house has been converted to a small hotel with 5 guest rooms, a dining room, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor and a further guest room and a... More

Far from the iconic, neon-soaked frenzy of Shibuya Crossing or Kabukicho, there exists a Tokyo that is hushed, vacant, yet undeniably alive. A Tokyo bathed in a serene, chromatic glow. Aurélien Aumond Aurélien Aumond Aurélien Aumond Aurélien Aumond Imagine wandering through the quiet expanse of Harumi and Fukagawa, the city’s pulse slowed to a gentle rhythm. The absence of human noise becomes a canvas upon which the city’s architecture reveals its true character. Towering structures and humble homes alike are transformed by a masterful interplay of light and shadow. It’s a world where colors seem intensified, textures heightened.  Aurélien Aumond Aur&eacu... More

  This Restaurant was built on a spirit to serve simple comfort food. A food which everyone can eat throughout the day and night in many weather and condition. Izakaya, Japanese informal restaurant where people can enjoy good food and good drinks with fun atmosphere. The atmosphere is created to be dynamic, lively, loud, and fun.   apconsultant apconsultant apconsultant As the focal points, facade must STANDS OUT and able to resemble nuances of Nature, Chic, Smart, Humble.  apconsultant apconsultant apconsultant The impression of the building are rustic but fine, symmetrical but also asymmetrical, light but also heavy. apconsultant apconsultant We Only use natural color prevails on... More

The project is for a cad center in Ishigaki City.It is a three-story reinforced concrete building with a simple configuration created by a flat slab without beam forms and wall-like columns.The first floor is an open space where campers and kitchen cars can be parked and events can be held. Caption Caption Caption The second floor has private rooms for work and a common lounge with planted benches in the center.The third floor is mainly a large space for workshops and meals, with a connecting terrace. Caption Caption Concrete railing walls are placed around the perimeter of each floor, and the width of the railing walls varies from floor to floor to control strong winds and rain during typhoons, as well as the sum... More

The Eifukuchō house renovation is part of Roovice’s Kariage initiative. At zero cost for the owner we renovate and then sublease old vacant houses. The project started as a reaction to Japan’s continuing akiya (空き家) problem, as there is more than 10 million abandoned properties in Japan.  Akira Nakamura Akira Nakamura Akira Nakamura This Japanese house, typical for its period, was built around 70 years ago and is located in the quiet residential area called Eifukuchō, just a few stops from Shibuya, in Tokyo. Although being situated in a densely populated neighborhood it features a garden and a parking lot.  Akira Nakamura Akira Nakamura Akira Nakamura Originally the ground floor was the... More

【Background】 This is a renovation project for a 44-year-old apartment. The owner is an enthusiast of weaving wooden basket bags. The owner's requests were to have an earthen floor space that could be used as a studio, to enjoy the views of the river and cityscape from the windows, and to optimize the living space compactly. Caption Caption Caption Caption To achieve this, we arranged the core living area in a box-like shape at an angle, with the bathroom, bed, closets etc. centralized in the middle. Gaps were left between the existing concrete walls and the core space. These gaps create a trapezoidal floor plan that allows the space to flexibly expand and contract, forming a continuous cloister wrapping around. This en... More

On a small island in the Japanese archipelago iraisynn attinom studio designed a modern retreat. Basically the building is two cantilevers following the lines of the landscape, made by concrete, emerged from the ground, projected from the rocky mountain and facing towards the ocean. The design follows some of the modern Japanese architecture principles such as the simplicity, functionalism, straightforward expression of materials and construction, geometric composition devoid of superficial ornamentation, standardization of parts, unity of house and garden. Caption The general structure is a fine example of the post-and-beam system, meaning concrete columns that support the large slab, exterior non load-bearing stone walls with big wi... More