Inner Garden House by Takanori Ineyama Architects – A Semi-Outdoor Living Experience in Kofu, Japan

The Inner Garden House, designed by Takanori Ineyama Architects, is a 111 m² family residence located on the outskirts of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Completed in 2018, the house redefines contemporary Japanese living by integrating a unique polycarbonate “Inner Garden” space, blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor life.

Surrounded by neighboring houses and apartment buildings, the site presented challenges of privacy, enclosure, and sunlight access. To address this, the architects introduced a central polycarbonate-covered Inner Garden, a flexible semi-outdoor room that allows the family to enjoy gardening, camping activities, and casual everyday living without being exposed to the dense urban surroundings.

The home is divided into three sliding volumes, strategically arranged to create corners and open pockets for shared family interaction. At the heart of this design lies the Inner Garden, which functions as a multi-purpose courtyard filled with natural light. Depending on the season, the wooden windows can be adjusted: fully opened in spring and autumn to connect with nature, or closed in summer and winter for climate control. Large clerestory windows at the top ensure both privacy and natural daylight, while filtering views from the street.

Inside, the living room, dining area, and kitchen seamlessly connect with the semi-outdoor garden, encouraging fluid spatial transitions. This flexible environment adapts to family needs—becoming a children’s play area, a gardening hub, or even a small plaza-like gathering space. The seasonal adaptability of the design reflects traditional Japanese sensibilities while embracing modern material solutions like polycarbonate and timber.

The Inner Garden House ultimately creates a lifestyle where architecture, nature, and family life intersect. It is more than a residence—it is a dynamic living environment that evolves with time, seasons, and the everyday rhythms of its inhabitants.

All Photographs are works of Koichi Torimura