Rebuilding a Farmhouse to Mix Past and Present – Kikkawa Architects

This farmhouse can be found on the outskirts of Atsugi city in Japan. The house is a replacement dwelling of an older farmhouse and has been designed by local firm, Kikkawa Architects.

Bordering the countryside, the house’s location provides it with some relief from the hectic lifestyle of the city. The owners of the property run an agricultural business that’s been in the family for many generations. This contemporary home, simply dubbed “House in Atsugi”, is an attempt to tie together the past and present.

The simple archetypal shape is inspired by the old thatched farm buildings that the owners lived in when they were young. The roof and most of the exterior walls look to be clad in slate, with the more sheltered recesses along the porch being finished in wood.

The wood finish continues on the inside, coating the ceiling. The walls and partitions have been left as a plain white, helping to promote lighting. A cathedral style ceiling has been employed in the main living area – the floor to the apex measures 15.7 feet (4.8 meters).

The public living spaces are centrally located, taking up the majority of the floor plan. The more private areas can be found at the end bays of the home. The main living space is wholly open plan, containing the kitchen, dining area and living room in a single area.

Other sections of the home, such as the Japanese room, can be opened or closed off with the use of screens. My favorite feature of this project though, would be the large sheltered porch that overlooks the fields to the front. From the architects: “We re-built a modern farmhouse in harmony with nature, aiming to create a pleasant house.”

For more Japanese houses check out Modular Grid House, a custom-built home made from off-the-shelf components. Or, this Tokyo apartment that embraces the unfinished style. See all Japanese houses.

Via DesignBoom
Photos: Kikkawa Architects