Embracing Openness and Functionality: Hokuriku Residence No.2

Nestled in the educational district of Kanazawa City, Hokuriku Residence No.2 stands as a prime example of modern Japanese home design. This two-story wooden house, crafted by Chidori Studio, skillfully marries the traditional Japanese aesthetic with contemporary architectural innovations.

Design Philosophy: Harmonizing with the Environment

Crafting a Connection to Nature

The residence is strategically positioned to offer expansive views of the surrounding greenery, incorporating large openings that connect the interior space with the landscape beyond. This design choice is a hallmark of modern Japanese home design, where nature and architecture become one.

Navigating Future Uncertainties

Faced with the potential for future construction on the adjacent vacant lot, Chidori Studio ingeniously designed the house to maintain its openness and connection to nature, ensuring that the residence remains a serene oasis amidst the bustling city.

Architectural Features: Maximizing Space and Light

The Terrace as a Focal Point

A significant architectural feature of Hokuriku Residence No.2 is its large terrace, which serves as a transitional space, blending the public road's openness with the privacy of the home. This terrace not only contributes to the home's unique character but also enhances the residential area's visual landscape by providing a glimpse of the stadium's greenery and sky.

Thoughtful Interior Layout

On the ground floor, the residence accommodates a multifunctional earthen floor, a treatment space for the owner's physiotherapy practice, and private living quarters. The design utilizes horizontal windows to elongate the space visually and create a cozy atmosphere conducive to both work and relaxation.

The second floor features a spacious one-room layout with sweeping windows and high ceilings, extending seamlessly into the outdoor terrace. This level embodies the essence of modern Japanese home design, prioritizing openness, light, and a deep connection to the outdoors.

Sustainable Design in a Challenging Climate

Chidori Studio has tailored Hokuriku Residence No.2 to the Hokuriku region's heavy rainfall and snowfall, incorporating a large, continuous roof over the terrace and employing a no-snowfall roof design common in Hokkaido housing. This thoughtful consideration ensures the home's year-round usability and comfort.

A New Paradigm in Japanese Architecture

Hokuriku Residence No.2 by Chidori Studio represents a forward-thinking approach to modern Japanese home design, skillfully blending traditional principles with innovative solutions to create a home that is both a sanctuary and a functional space for living and working. Through its unique design features and sensitivity to the surrounding environment, this residence sets a new standard for contemporary Japanese architecture.

All photographs are work of Yasuhiro Nakayama