A grid of near-identical doors and windows punctures all 3 visible facades of this seemingly cube-shaped house in Okinawa by architecture studio Rhythmdesign .
Named Property in Tomigusuku, the three-storey home accommodates a household residing just outdoors Nara – the primary city in Japan’s southernmost prefecture.
Fukaya-based Rhythmdesign – whose past projects consist of a home exactly where all rooms overlook the dining table – created its layout about a desire to offer adjustable conditions for every single area in the constructing.
This led to the addition of many little windows that residents can very easily open and close to generate cross-flow ventilation in different rooms. In accordance to the architects, these are small and easy enough to be operated by a kid.
“We aimed to produce a situation the place the indoor atmosphere can be controlled by our hands, and also functions properly in the difficult climate of Okinawa,” said the group.
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“In Okinawa, currently being open and guarding the interior atmosphere are essential.”
The 192-square-metre developing comprises a easy rectilinear volume that is square in strategy and only slightly larger in height, so at first glance it appears to be a cube.
This result is emphasised by the uniform window arrangement of windows and doors – 12 on each of the three facades – which are all sheltered by blocky canopies that extend out horizontally from the walls.
The windows on the ground floor are covered with mesh rather than glass, as significantly of the ground floor is taken up by a sheltered parking space for at least two vehicles. Additional mesh windows on the upper level reveal the area of a secluded terrace.
“In ancient days, folks came up with a variety of concepts to protect themselves from the hefty climate and hold their living environments comfy,” mentioned the crew.
“We aimed to generate a residence which cuts off intense sunlight and heat is protected from rain and wind and refers to traditions, styles and cultures in the location by reinterpreting them in a present day way.”
The exterior of the property is concrete whilst the interior attributes wooden floorboards, as well as exposed timber ceiling rafters that run in alternating instructions.
The major living and dining room occupies the middle floor, exactly where a separate area behind the kitchen functions as a pantry and a classic tatami area is partitioned off on a single side.
One particular massive bedroom is situated on the floor over, with a stroll-in closet and an en-suite bathroom.
Other examples of residential architecture in Okinawa Prefecture contain the Shinichi Ogawa-created Minimalist Residence, which is divided lengthways into a courtyard and residing space.
Photography is by Koichi Torimura.
Undertaking credits:
Architect: Rhythmdesign
Undertaking architect: Kenichiro Ide
Design and style team: Kenichiro Ide, Yuta Kinai
Structural engineers: Kuroiwa Structural
Engineers: Kuroiwa Structural Engineers
Lighting consultant: Modulex Fukuoka
Main contractor: IMI Corporation
Ground floor prepare 
Initial floor plan 
2nd floor prepare 
Section Dezeen
