House and Studio in Kobe

Situated on the edge of a new housing area, the triangular site imposed tight constraints on the design. The brief required the erection of a house with a studio for an artist. The kitchen, bathroom and WC form fixed elements in the layout. The working and living areas allow a degree of flexibility. The large areas of glazing on the side of the house facing the adjoining woods, and the open wood lathing to the outer walls help to create a transparent transition between inside and outside. The load-bearing timber frame structure was left exposed internally, allowing the expressive strength of the construction to remain legible. The plain, simple design and the choice of materials – wood, glass and slate – are a reflection of traditional barn or cottage forms.