House Nishi Minowa
レンハウス ／ RENHOUSE
The living & dining photo: Yuko Tada
View from the east photo: Yuko Tada
Evening view from the north photo: Yuko Tada
View from the south photo: Yuko Tada
Overlook of the living & dining photo: Yuko Tada
Kitchen: View from the front photo: Yuko Tada
RENMADO: View from the staircase photo: Tada Yuko
The children's room & loft photo: Tada Yuko
The master bedroom photo: Tada Yuko
Evening view from the south east photo: Tada Yuko
View from the west photo: Tada Yuko
The bedroom: Japanese room photo: Tada Yuko
Project Details:
Location: Ina-City, Nagano Pref. Japan
Type: Residential, Private House
Structure: Wooden timber framework, Two-story
Status: Built
Area: 163.02 sqm
Site Area: 342.23 sqm
Architects: MTK architects
Architect In Charge: Akira Metoki
Structural Engineer: Hidemasa Nagata
Construction: Miyashita Construction Co., Ltd.
Photographs: Yuko Tada
Publication: ArchDaily, Architizer, MyHouseIdea, AECCafe, DIVISARE, Houzz, archello,
I am always aware of harmony with the surrounding environment and neighbourhood, and relations between buildings and nature when I start to design.
The timber house for 2 generations located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan is sited in a quiet and rich natural environment and has wonderful views of the Ina Valley.
This "RENHOUSE" has been created as a house that suggests a strong connection with the natural surroundings.
The gabled shape of the roof designed with the inspiration of the line of the mountains in the background becomes integrated into the landscape. The height and form of both roof and façade are continuously adjusted to the surroundings, which also enables the house to develop its own unique character. The façade is made of cedar board and batten hat from Hokkaido that will become gradually grey over time.
The living room features characteristic large window openings “RENMADO” allowing sunlight to penetrate deep into the space and viewing of the beautiful panorama of the outside. The contrast of light and shadow is reinforced here, adding a sense of depth and extension into the space. This RENMADO window works as a device that connects the indoor and the outside.
The Z-shaped plan is positioned very naturally in the site, and its form provides good separation between the two generation areas. At the same time, it provides a space including front door, corridor and “Doma” space which connects both areas in the center of the Z-shaped plan.
The interior has been planned appropriately according to the wishes of the occupants who wanted a design which minimized housework.