This independent residence, located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan—a region known for heavy snowfall—is designed for a pediatrician and his family. The design concept draws inspiration from the stone garden of the neighboring house, where the client’s parents live, using it as a “borrowed landscape.”
The building features a distinctive, massive concrete facade that incorporates insulated exterior walls to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures even during the coldest winter months. Additional features such as louvered curtains and insulated wooden frame windows further adapt the home to its snowy environment.
The first floor is highlighted by an open kitchen that faces a lively double-height living room. Integrated wall storage cabinets extend seamlessly from the kitchen into the living area, helping to maintain a clutter-free environment.
Behind the signature fireplace, large fixed glass windows offer views of the stone garden, blending seasonal and temporal changes into the living and kitchen spaces. This design lends the area a vacation villa atmosphere.
These glass windows are intentionally set at a lower level to integrate the lush borrowed garden landscape into the interior while shielding the space from views of neighboring homes.
The second floor houses private areas including children’s rooms and the master bedroom. An elevated space above the living room connects the children’s rooms to the living area, fostering communication and interaction within the family.
Looking ahead, the family can add play and relaxation zones around the house, further strengthening bonds with family and friends. This residence reflects a traditional rural lifestyle, harmonizing close family ties with community relationships.
Night View
Design Drawings
△ Plan view
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Project Type: Independent Residential, Residential Interior Design
Location: Japan
Architectural Firm: APOLLO Architects& Associates
Area: 216 m²
Project Year: 2020
Photographer: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki, APOLLO Architects& Associates
Structural Engineer: Masaki Structure
Lighting Design: SIRIUS LIGHT OFFICE
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up