House in Shukugawa: intimacy and nature in an urban retreat

Responding to the context: a custom design for privacy

The project addresses a fundamental challenge: how to open the house to nature without compromising privacy? The answer was found in the idea of a dwelling that isolates itself from the urban context and creates an intimate space inside, thanks to an internal courtyard and a dome space. This solution allows for experiencing the contrast between the densely built external environment and a cozy and serene interior, enabling the inhabitants to perceive the richness of nature and light.

Customer Requests: Comfort, Nature, and Intimacy

The customer had specific needs for their ideal living environment, which guided the design process:

- To feel the presence of nature inside the house, through natural light, greenery, and ventilation

- To create spaces that evoke the Danish concept of hygge, comfortable spaces to enjoy the small pleasures of life

- To play with shades of light and shadow, drawing inspiration from the philosophy of In Praise of Shadows

- To create a fluid and connected space, capable of adapting to different uses

- To design a timeless space, meant to last and be appreciated over time

These requests led the arbol studio to one of the most original architectural projects for the design solution, harmoniously combining intimacy and openness, functionality and poetry.

A Form that Embraces: The Courtyard and the Dome

The House in Shukugawa is developed on two floors, maximizing the use of space and adopting a compact form. The entrance, characterized by a pebble flooring and thin, light eaves, guides the guest towards an entrance with a cozy atmosphere, a prelude to a surprising space. Beyond the entrance, a dome-shaped space opens up, extending over two floors, creating a sense of vastness and security. The curved shape of the plaster ceiling, reminiscent of a church's, evokes a feeling of sacredness and protection.

The courtyard, positioned in the north corner, becomes the main source of natural light and a visual connection with nature. Thanks to this space, light penetrates gently and evenly, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The plants and the arrangement of greenery allow the inhabitants to experience the seasons and to constantly feel in touch with the natural environment, even from inside the house.

Timeless Design and International Atmosphere

The choice of traditional forms such as the dome and the presence of elements like tiled floors, alley-like terraces, stairs resembling small balconies, and symbolic overhead lights give the house an international and timeless character. The resulting atmosphere is that of a welcoming place, where design meets the memories of distant travels and cultures.

The project thus creates a balance between modernity and tradition, where the dome's shape evokes symbolism and centrality, welcoming people into a space that invites conviviality. The layout of the spaces, with a centripetal plan, encourages moments of sharing and meeting among family members, providing a sense of spaciousness even in a compact volume.

Efficiency and sustainability: an environmentally friendly refuge

Sustainability is a central element of the House in Shukugawa, thanks to the use of a wooden structure that reduces CO2 emissions and the choice of materials and technologies for energy efficiency. Plastered walls and ceilings provide effective humidity control, while a heat exchange ventilation system maintains a constant temperature and reduces energy consumption. The double Low-E glass with argon gas and sprayed insulation ensure a comfortable environment both in summer and winter, contributing to a sustainable and conscious living experience.

Light and shadow: the art of illumination

The lighting of the House in Shukugawa is designed to enhance the natural beauty of the spaces. The courtyard is illuminated from above with lights that resemble moonlight, while welcoming areas such as the entrance and dining room are enriched by lights with a material presence, adding warmth and character to the interiors. The absence of visible fixtures in the more abstract areas preserves the purity of the forms, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.