FORT7 House by Takeshi Ishiodori Architecture: A Harmonious Urban Retreat with Nature

Designing a Home “With Plants”

When the client first shared their vision—“I want to live with plants”—it immediately shaped the philosophy of FORT7 House. Located in a densely populated area near downtown Miyazaki City, the project presented a challenge: how to create a green-filled living space within a narrow urban plot. The solution was elegant: a house designed around three unique courtyards, each with its own character and function, bringing nature into everyday life.

A Journey Through the Courtyards

• Main Garden (South): Adjacent to the living room, this garden resembles a dense thicket, creating a serene and immersive green experience.
• Secondary Garden: Nestled between the living room and bedroom, this courtyard offers a tranquil view and intimate connection to nature.
• Bath Court: A private open-air courtyard surrounding the outdoor bath, providing relaxation and seclusion.

The long, narrow site runs north to south, starting from the roadside with a parking area, entrance, and Japanese-style guest room, followed by the main garden, living room, secondary garden, bedroom, and water area. Both main and secondary gardens provide uninterrupted views across the property, connecting every part of the house to nature.

Living in Harmony with Nature

The house is thoughtfully designed to embrace natural light, greenery, and outdoor living. Morning begins in the northern bedroom, where sunlight filters through the secondary garden’s trees. Adjacent to the main garden, a glass pergola-covered outdoor living space invites residents to relax and entertain. Evening routines blend culinary creativity and social gatherings with private relaxation in the bath court.

This design reflects humanity’s innate desire to be close to nature—a concept deeply rooted in our DNA. Even in urban areas, incorporating greenery and natural spaces is increasingly critical, especially as urban migration, an aging population, and declining birth rates shape modern living. FORT7 House demonstrates that it is possible to coexist with nature even within city confines.

While the architects did not select the specific flora or landscape, the spatial planning encourages interaction with greenery, prompting reflection on how architecture can integrate nature into daily life.

All Photographs are works of Studio Marsh