![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_hero-1.gif)
Japanese house by Kouichi Kimura includes white-tiled courtyard for yoga
A chimney-like tower covered in white tiles rises in the courtyard of this house in Shiga, Japan, which architect Kouichi Kimura has designed for the owner to host yoga classes.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_11-852x568.jpg)
Located away from a busy main road, the two-storey residence combines a large block with a smaller one that appears to be slotted on top. There are no windows on the street-facing walls to offer plenty of privacy from passerbys. The only opening is the front door of the house, which provides a view straight through to the courtyard.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x568.jpg)
Kouichi Kimura of Japanese studio Form designed the ground floor of the 112-square-metre house as the primary space for the resident to teach the meditative practice of yoga. The living room and the L-shaped courtyard arranged around it are linked by pair of sliding glass doors. They can be opened fully to provide one space, or closed to create separate areas.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x568.jpg)
"Linkage between exterior and interior spaces were identified to realise a living space that expands toward outside in terms of visual and sensory aspects," said Kimura. "The living room that also serves as the yoga classroom has two openings; it can be used as one unified space together with the courtyard when the sliding doors are wide opened."
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x568.jpg)
White stones surround the white-tiled platform of the courtyard, which extends to form a stepped tower that the architects describe as the symbol of the house. A pair of frosted glass panes are fitted where the tower meets the floor. Lights fitted underneath illuminate the space at night time.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x568.jpg)
"Light reflected by the basin and fresh wind stimulate the five senses, and set the mind and body free," said the architect. "The frosted glass fitted in the sculptural-shaped form makes the light thrown into the room softer. It also serves as indirect illumination for the courtyard at night."
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x571.jpg)
A black fence surrounds the courtyard to offer further privacy and create a "semi-outdoor room". There is also a tree planted in the corner, and a mortar counter and bench running along the narrow side is fitted with a sink and storage space, to act as a continuation of the lounge.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x568.jpg)
The architects placed the rest of the accommodation on the first first floor of the house. The open-plan kitchen and dining room occupies the centre with a large window to the outside and the tower feature.
A pair of children's rooms are placed on either side, while the master bedroom is set to the rear. A simple material palette of dark wooden flooring and white-painted walls is used throughout.
![House of Scenes by Koichi Kimura](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/07/house-of-scenes-kouichi-kimura-architects_dezeen_2364_col_7-852x1205.jpg)
Kouichi Kimura founded his Form in 1991 in the Kusatsu-City in Japan's Shiga prefecture. The studio's other projects in the area include a residence with contrasting materials and split levels and a live-work block with a steel-plated facade.
Photography is by Yoshihiro Asada.