FORM / kouichi kimura architects plans U-shaped courtyard house in japan

japanese studio FORM/kouichi kimura architects has completed ‘courtyard house’ sited in rural shiga.

surrounded by abundant farmland, greenery and visually connected to the distant hills. with such scenery, the design hopes to capture the traditional japanese surroundings, as well as giving the family the privacy that they need. a stark contrast to its neighbors, the grey and white design is symmetrical in form and set on a concrete base.

the U-shaped plan allows for a private courtyard, giving privacy and glimpses of the natural landscape, meanwhile a single basin filled with water runs right through the middle- creating a link between the outside and inside. the interior opens up to the courtyard, and is configured by a single open-plan room. the contrasting finishes and levels vary to make each space independent, and comfortable- creating various scenes as the inhabitant moves from one space to another.

 

the entrance of the home

 

the home is close to a traditional torii gate and is adjacent to a shrine

 

the walls wrap around a simple courtyard displaying clean lines and contemporary aesthetics

 

a flowing channel of water runs through the middle

 

the open-plan room with varying levels and straightforward material palette