This u-shaped home surrounds an inner courtyard containing a holly osmanthus that has been cherished for many generations. It is designed to allow the tree to be viewed from any part of the house including the living room, dining room, the front entrance, and Japanese-style room. 

© Shigeo Ogawa

Architects: Takashi Okuno

Location: Ehime Prefecture, Japan

Area: 314.79 sqm

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: Shigeo Ogawa

© Shigeo Ogawa

This u-shaped home surrounds an inner courtyard containing a holly osmanthus that has been cherished for many generations. It is designed to allow the tree to be viewed from any part of the house including the living room, dining room, the front entrance, and Japanese-style room. 
© Shigeo Ogawa

The Japanese-style tatami room is planned to be used as a guest room. While it follows certain traditional aspects such as the sizes of the wood used and vertical length of the entranceway, by using as few parts as possible to keep the appearance simple, the aim is for one?s gaze to naturally be drawn to the greenery beyond the window to the right of the tokonoma (alcove). To maintain a dignified look, electronic equipment is functional yet kept discreet by integrating it into the architecture.

© Shigeo Ogawa

Diagram

© Shigeo Ogawa

The living area is designed for the family?s daily activities. It is...