Nara House in Japan by Fuji Architects

Black Framed Windows and Multi-Height Floors of Nara House by Fuji Architects

The design of modern suburban houses in Japan tends to prioritise privacy over street-side windows. We’ve seen this in the past on Homeli in Hazukashi House by ALTS Design Office and Seven by Apollo Architects with their heavily obscured windows, but Fuji Architects took the notion a step further in Nara House by abolishing windows on the front facade entirely.

Nara House Exterior Facade with no Windows in Japan by Fuji Architects

Dark Grey Industrial Interior Design in Nara House by Fuji Architects

Nara House instead adopts a central garden courtyard spanning the entire height of the dwelling, and while the intensity of light entering the living doesn’t match that of conventional windows, the end result in my opinion is far more homely. Vast black-framed doors seal off the living spaces from this courtyard which span the double-height ceiling and add to the somewhat industrial tone of the interior.

View through Interior of Nara House by Fuji Architects

Dark Cosy Interior Space of Nara House with Trees Growing through Courtyard

Dark Grey Interior Design with Contrasting Lights and Plants

Fuji Architects embraced the potentially gloomy atmosphere, and didn’t try to compensate with white paint, instead employing dark grey colours to emphasise it. This dark setting allows a greater contrast with the lights scattered throughout the space and the vibrancy of the plant-life. Specific species capable of growing in low-light conditions were selected including ferns.

Nara House in Japan by Fuji Architects

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen of Nara House by Fuji Architects

Upstairs where privacy isn’t such a concern, windows have been permitted and the kitchen remains remarkably light with a distinct mid-century modern style from the furniture.

Stairway Across Garden Courtyard of Nara House by Fuji Architects

Double-height Ceiling with Sliding Doors and Garden Courtyard of Nara House

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Comments

  1. Elmer

    This is a nice house if you are in the city and surrounded by other buildings. The light comes in from the sky and you create your other spaces around it.

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