Projecting terrace intersects Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office
A cantilevered box containing a wood-lined terrace extends from the vertical core of this house in the Japanese prefecture of Shiga by local architects Alts Design Office (+ slideshow).
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_17.jpg)
To make the most of the property's site adjacent to a boundary wall and opposite some arable fields, Alts Design Office created a decked area that projects over the wall and frames views of the countryside.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Office_dezeen_1.jpg)
In contrast to the robust black cladding covering the rest of the building, the surfaces of the terrace are wrapped in wooden planks intended to give the space a warm and tactile feel.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_3.jpg)
The walls of the terrace are angled to give the impression that the space extends towards the horizon when viewed through the full-height windows that connect it with the first floor living area.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_11.jpg)
This open-plan space features a sunken lounge with a sofa and coffee table next to the dining area, which also incorporates a corner bench next to a window.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_12.jpg)
A low wall and tile-clad column separate the kitchen from the rest of the space, while a bedroom and bathroom are located off the living room behind a sliding wooden door.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_10.jpg)
These rooms are accommodated in the section of the upper storey that projects from the opposing side of the building to the terrace, which is supported by columns and shelters a parking space beneath.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_14.jpg)
Around the other side, the cantilevered deck covers the main entrance to the house, which leads to a hallway containing a concrete washstand.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_7.jpg)
The ground floor also contains a small study and a room for children, while wooden treads suspended from metal rods create a visually light staircase that ascends to the first floor.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_7.jpg)
At the top of the stairs is a narrow corridor leading to a small reading room that is flanked by shelving and windows that help light from the living area reach the staircase.
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_18.gif)
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_19.gif)
![Minakuchi House by Alts Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_20.gif)
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![Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_22](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/05/Minakuchi-House-by-Alts-Design-Offices_dezeen_22.gif)