A living space where the presence of the family would always be felt. This brief from the client led Keiichi Kiriyama of Airhouse Design Office to design this single family house located in Yoro, Gifu Prefecture, a steel structure that allows an expansive open living space with no columns.

Complimenting the open-concept kitchen , dining and living areas specified for the food-loving owners, minimalist details of the interior finishes and exposed structure enable the brightness and uniformity in the very large space. The private spaces of bedrooms and bathrooms are designed within a box-like structure with the children's bedroom and play area above it.

What I am drawn to most about this project is that the architect addresses the needs of the client first and foremost in the living requirements and cost efficiency. Constructed to minimize heat loss and improve insulation especially in the challenging open-concept interiors, it maintains a consistent design aesthetic throughout with a few welcomed surprises in color for the private spaces, giving this family home the spatial experience it wants and the personality it needs.

Images and text courtesy of Keiichi Kiriyama of Airhouse Design Office.

Photography by Toshiyuki Yano