Captivating Design in Shimane Prefecture
In the picturesque Shimane Prefecture of Japan, a timber-framed house by Enter-Archi showcases a unique architectural approach with its striking roof design. Known as the residence at Yakami, this one-story abode embraces its rural surroundings with an innovative structure that enhances the scenic mountain views while efficiently handling snow build-up.
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A Clever Layout for Comfortable Living at the Yakami Residence
Organized as three interconnected volumes, the dwelling features strategically placed courtyards, offering a blend of private and communal spaces. The front section houses a covered parking space, the middle section boasts an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, while the rear section accommodates three bedrooms. Crafted from a traditional Japanese timber post-and-beam system, the exposed columns, beams, and rafters highlight the home’s structural beauty.
Architectural Precision in Roof Design
The roof of this timber construction is a notable element, spanning its three main sections with a broken-pitch design. This design not only maintains the roof height low for unimpeded views of the surrounding mountains but also mirrors the aesthetic of nearby tiled roofs, ensuring snow does not accumulate excessively. “By keeping the overall height low, the views expand toward the sky and mountains,” explains Enter-Archi founder Yoshikatsu Iriguchi.
A Harmonious Blend with Nature
The central living areas encourage relaxation and socialization, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor experiences. Iriguchi emphasizes the home’s integration with the landscape, stating that it’s about placing oneself within nature rather than merely observing it. This intentional design allows the home to coexist peacefully with its environment, accepting natural erosions while maintaining structural integrity.
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Material Choices and Aesthetic Simplicity
Using straightforward materials, the Yakami project features metal roofing, cedar cladding on the exterior, and plywood interiors, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic common in Japanese architecture. “The choice of familiar materials was deliberate to keep the design as simple as possible,” Iriguchi notes.
Other architectural projects in Japan, like those by Keiji Ashizawa Design and YNAS, also explore innovative uses of timber, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of the material in japanese architecture.
Project Team
- Architect: Enter-Archi
- Construction: Inoshita Kenchiku
- Structural Engineer: Umezawa Structural Engineers
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the Yakami residence’s roof design?
The Yakami residence has a broken-pitch roof design that keeps the overall height low, allowing unimpeded views of the surrounding mountains and preventing excessive snow accumulation by mirroring nearby tiled roofs.
How is the Yakami residence organized?
The dwelling is organized into three interconnected volumes, featuring strategically placed courtyards. The front section contains a covered parking space, the middle has an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area, while the rear accommodates three bedrooms.
What materials are used in the Yakami project?
The Yakami project uses straightforward materials such as metal roofing, cedar cladding on the exterior, and plywood for the interiors, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic common in Japanese architecture.