Mount Fuji house by Hiroki Tominaga Atelier has a unique angular roof that protects the home from heavy snow

In order to efficiently deal with the heavy snow and rain characteristic of the Mount Fuji region in Japan, architect Hiroki Tominaga topped this residential building with a zigzagging roof that directs snow and rain in specific direction toward the perimeter of the building.

The Tokyo-based studio designed the house as a home for a family of hiking and cycling enthusiasts who wanted clever protection from the local elements.

The angular outline of the roof is inspired by traditional undulating karahafu gables often found in temples and shrines across the country. In the case of the Mount Fuji residence, this element was translated as an angular form with sharp edges which reference the surrounding mountain peaks.

The roof is clad in a system of metal panels and covers a semi-outdoor space in a way that directs snow and rain from the main openings. Its metal cladding is combined with timber walls and a strip of translucent polycarbonate, the latter of which gives the building a soft glow at night. The playful interior features a series of split levels and mezzanines which provide different spaces suited either for summer or winter use.