Minami Ward Annex

Okayama City,Okayama, Japan

Photo © Baum Style Architect

Mixed Use

Architects: Baum Style Architect

Location: Okayama City,Okayama, Japan
Year: 2017

An atelier (house) built in a quiet residential area about 40 years after it was developed in southern Okayama Prefecture. The surrounding area is surrounded by gabled roofs and a landscape of outer walls made of burnt cedar boards, a wall material unique to the Chugoku region. The area is about 20 tsubo, which is quite a limited site. In this limited site, I thought of an atelier that was conscious of living. The exterior has a gabled roof to blend in with the surrounding scenery, and the exterior walls are made of burnt cedar boards. In order to make the interior space as small as possible, we decided to partition the space by adding steps to each area. A space with steps consciously guides the line of sight into the distance, making it possible to feel the signs of the depths, creating a space that feels more expansive than its area. In addition, we entrusted the landscaping to Mr. Toshiya Ogino, a landscape architect, who planted the trees in such a way that they fit in with the land. It is a space that feels good to the touch with natural materials, and although it is small, it has a feeling of spaciousness.