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Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

The site is located at the very end of the residential section developed in the 1970s in Nara, Japan.

There are homogeneous prefabricated houses in one side, and ancient Japanese-styled houses and rich nature spread in another side. It is the typical site of Nara. We planned a new residence for young husband and wife.


El Cubo Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


The city of Nara, Japan offers a residential landscape with an interesting duality; while prefabricated houses are evidence of development in the modern era, traditional Japanese-style residences represent the historical counterpart.

In designing niu, a residence for a young couple, Yoshihiro Yamamoto of YYAA incorporates both types of urban fabric into the home’s construct.


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


The house is an intersection of two volumes, one black horizontal and the other a white vertical, and a small courtyard formed by the spatial operation offers up a peaceful rock garden.

The white demarcates open space whereas the black contains more private rooms including a soundproof music studio as well as a utility room.


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


Despite these differences in program, the interiors share a mix of the customary and contemporary.

Earthy wood finishes on the floor and stairs contrast the sleek metal kitchen counter and accessories.


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


East meets west at the openings of the house, as one door evokes a sliding shoji screen while panels of glazing framed in black provide a more transparent view of the streets and hills outside.

The fusion of a Japanese engawa – veranda – and a backyard deck extends from the house, blending the hybrid nature of the residence seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood.


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier



Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier



Architects: Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier
Location: Ikoma, Nara Prefecture, Japan
Project year: 2012
Project area: 220.36 m2
Structure: Wooden Structure
Photographs: Yohei Sasakura


Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier

Niu House - Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architect Atlier


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