Dezeen Magazine

Branch House by KINO Architects

Branch House by KINO Architects

This house by Masahiro Kinoshita of KINO Architects comprises four blocks branching off from a central living and dining room, with an attic above each one.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The  house in Fukushima has three storage lofts and a fourth that's used as a play den for the client's children, accessed by a ladder.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The branching blocks below contain bedrooms, bathrooms and a kitchen, surrounded by exterior terraces that are sheltered by the overhanging roof.

Branch House by KINO Architects

An arched opening through the north elevation creates an entrance to one of these terraces from the street.

Branch House by KINO Architects

Other Japanese houses by KINO architects on Dezeen includes a house in Tokyo with balconies on each level and a concrete residence with a top floor observatory - see all the projects by KINO Architects here and see more stories about Japanese houses here.

Branch House by KINO Architects

Photography is by Daici Ano.

Here are some more details from Kinoshita:


Branch House

This house is in a residential area of Fukushima prefecture. In this location there are many areas of vacant land and parking lots.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The house is for a four person family; a married couple with two children.

Branch House by KINO Architects

In this design, the living and dining rooms, where the family gathers, branch off to the main bedroom, children’s room, kitchen, bath room and guest room.

Branch House by KINO Architects

Each room has its own loft space. These lofts supplement the function of the rooms.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The parent’s possessions are stored in the loft of the main bedroom, bathroom supplies are in the loft of the bathroom and guest bedding is stored in the loft of the guest room.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The children’s loft provides a play area.

Branch House by KINO Architects

To put the rooms branching off in this way gives good lighting and ventilation and a moderate distance between rooms. The four branches also become a core of power to resist earthquakes.

Branch House by KINO Architects

Internally the site is divided into four gardens. These gardens can change in function in the future to include, for example, a BBQ garden, and a pool garden.

Branch House by KINO Architects

The house was designed not only for use now, but also to expand with the family as their lifestyle changes.

Branch House by KINO Architects

Architect: Masahiro Kinoshita / KINO architects
Location: Fukushima, Japan

Branch House by KINO Architects

Principal use: private residence
Structure: wooden

Branch House by KINO Architects

Site area: 344.26 sq m
Scale of building: 1 stories

Branch House by KINO Architects

Building area: 120.61 sq m
Total floor area: 176.70 sq m

Branch House by KINO Architects

Click above for larger image

Completion: 2010.08

Branch House by KINO Architects

Click above for larger image