A charming and simple family home in Japan

Betti Hunter – homify Betti Hunter – homify
東山の家2|準防火地域の狭小敷地住宅, 家山真建築研究室 Makoto Ieyama Architect Office 家山真建築研究室 Makoto Ieyama Architect Office Salas de estilo minimalista
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This home might not immediately catch your eye, but you would be wrong to ignore it just because it doesn't look like its flashier peers. 

Though its windows are small and pinched, and the colour of the exterior is about the shade of cold, milky tea, inside lies a wealth of brightness and style. Dare you step in and take a look?

A modest exterior

From the outside, the house isn't much to look at. The murky taupe facade looks impenetrable, an effect that is only emphasized by the tiny windows.

Everything is kept simple – the lines are straight and boxy, the windows rectagular, the approach and steps are unpolished concrete. The only hint of interest here is that intriguing slatted door…

From this angle, we can see the tiny porch that encloses the doorway – perfect for sheltering from the rain…

Welcome home

In stark comparison to the dull, heavy exterior, the hallway of this modern home is light, bright and airy. Wood and white dominates – it's a classic Japanese style reworked for modern inhabitants.

We especially love that sturdy wooden ceiling, complete with beams. The wooden floor is lighter and more polished, nodding more towards minimalism than rusticity. And what's that ahead? Pull back those barely there doors…

Step on through

As you might predict in a Japanese home, a Tatami room is the dominant feature. When we pull back those doors, we can see that this one in particular offers more than just a space for tea and repose – it is the gateway to the rest of the home. What a clever idea from the innovative architects!

Cosy and calm

When the lights go down, this Tatami room is the ideal place to be for a little bit of rest and recuperation.

The Tatami room sets the tone for the rest of the home. Minimal and sleek, it fuses the best of Eastern and Western design into a cohesive whole.

If you liked this article, check out: A bright and open family home.

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