SATOSHI OKADA
ARCHITECTS

The design consists of a vertical and horizontal volume of three and two stories, respectively. This appearance of a downscaled composition was important in respectfully integrating this house within the context of the historic city of Kyoto. This virtue further takes shape in the outer wall - divided into an opaque fence at street level and a slottice lattice above.

The cherry wood planks of the flooring are stained with persimmon juice according to traditional Japanese methods. Over time, its warm color will gradually turn to a deep red-black. The interior walls and ceilings are finished with white plaster. Furthermore, the two gardens on the property foster substantial air flow through traditional techniques derived from machiya; fresh air moves upwards from the first-floor wet garden as the dry paved terrace is heated by sunlight for microclimate control.