

ALTS design office conceals kusatsu house behind windowless wall

photo by yuta yamada

all images courtesy of ALTS design office

surrounded by neighboring structures, japanese practice ALTS design office has organized a new residential dwelling around a large windowless wall. offering the required privacy, this partition borders a internal pathway, envisioned a secluded area for relaxation, naturally lit by an expansive skylight.



offering the required privacy, the dwelling’s partition borders a internal pathway

photo by yuta yamada

the remainder of ‘kusatsu house’ is arranged around this alley, with open plan living accommodation spread across the home’s lower level. throughout the ground floor, small areas of integrated greenery ensure that the property develops a relationship with the natural environment despite its lack of external views. above, a master bedroom with adjoining balcony is found alongside two rooms for the family’s children and a shared bathroom.



open plan living accommodation is spread across the home’s lower level

photo by yuta yamada



natural timbers are used throughout the design

photo by yuta yamada



the wall borders a internal pathway, envisioned a secluded area for relaxation

photo by yuta yamada



tatami mats are found within the space

photo by yuta yamada



small areas of integrated greenery ensure that the property develops a relationship with the natural environment

photos by yuta yamada



the internal alleyway is lit by a large skylight

photos by yuta yamada



the property is surrounded by overlooking buildings

photo by yuta yamada



‘kusatsu house’ viewed from the passing street

photo by yuta yamada





site plan

(l) floor plan / level 0

(r) floor plan / level +1



(l) elevation

(r) section

full article here

project info:

name: kusatsu house

location: shiga/japan

architects firm: ALTS design office

architects member: sumiou mizumoto / yoshitaka kuga

number of storeys: 2

gross area: 116.50 sqm

completed: september, 2014

photographer: yuta yamada