Wooden Box House - NoMaDoS 一級建築士事務所

【Background】

This new residential project was planned for a couple in their 20s who are deeply knowledgeable in fields such as design and fashion. Having noticed our previous architectural works, they requested a spatial proposal with a simple design that would exceed the client's imagination. In response to their request, we treated the simple gabled volume as a single large box, arranging the necessary small rooms within it and configuring the layout so that all the remaining space functions as the living room. On the first floor, a raised platform (koagari / 小上がり) was created facing the living room, while on the second floor, structural floor level differences were introduced to bring a dynamic change to the expansiveness of the space.

For the interior partitions, we combined plywood with traditional exposed-post carpentry (shinkabe-oname / 真壁納め) and reveal-joint panelling (mesukashi-oname / 目透かし納め) to emphasise the modules, resulting in a design that beautifully balances the raw, rustic texture of timber with a refined elegance.

【Highlight】

・Creating a dynamic and varied space by introducing movement into the floor levels within a simple exterior form

・A plan that eliminates openings on the first floor facing the street, allowing natural light to flow down from the second floor to illuminate the entire space

・Arranging a flexible, free space as an extension of the living room on the second floor, utilising a circulation path that loops around the double-height void

・Material cost management through a finishing plan that maximises standardised material sizes

【Project Overview】

Principal Use： Private Residence
Location： Shiwa Town, Shiwa District, Iwate Prefecture
Total Floor Area： 96.05 ㎡
Number of Floors： 2 stories
Structure： Traditional Japanese wood-frame construction