Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Baqueratta
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida |
While utilizing a
courtyard to visually enlarge a space is not a new trick in japanese
modern architecture, tokyo-based architecture office
baqueratta has taken a different spin on the method. 'TH house' is a
single family dwelling in tochigi prefecture, japan, which features multiple pockets of courtyard spaces flanking almost all rooms and programs. while extending the interior space is the primary reasoning behind this practice, the house as a whole emphasizes the importance of framing, and how much it can change the individual atmosphere of a room.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--entrance |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--system of artificial lights wash up the walls |
While most houses with an outdoor space feature one large, collective courtyard connecting many programs, the 'TH house' accommodates many room-like courtyards that seemingly extend out from the interior walls. by sandwiching floor to ceiling glazing in between, the room is visually stretched along this axis, providing an almost mirroring effect.
laid out in grass, tiles, or wooden decking, the attached exterior spaces become the backgrounds to their respective interiors.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--(left) courtyard extending off the master bedroom / (right) the wooden slats continue on in the inside |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--the courtyard wall features a cut out to another courtyard to still allow for transparency and connectivity |
The walls, which are
reinforced concrete treated in white, direct light into the house,
maximizing on the natural daylighting effect. the windows are lined with thick black steel,
emphasizing the importance of visual framing which is apparent in the design.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--lighting during the night |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--living and dining area |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--dining and kitchen |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--floor to ceiling windows |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--washroom |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Katsuhisa Kida--bedroom and courtyard |
The people
Architects: Baqueratta
Location: Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Photographs: Katsuhisa Kida
