House in Jōmyōji｜Tada Architectural Design Office
Situated on a southwest corner lot backing onto a forest within the Kamakura Zushi Highland area, this residence is designed for a family of three. The client’s aspiration was for a home that evokes nostalgia and warmth. Embracing the concept that nostalgia is inherently linked to the beauty of natural aging, the materials were meticulously selected to the highest standard.
The roof, clad in copper panels, invites appreciation of the verdigris patina’s evolving hues over time. The exterior walls employ Tosa plaster, renowned for its rich, tactile aging qualities, while the interior surfaces are finished with natural paints that allow the wood to subtly absorb color, revealing a nuanced temporal transformation. The ceiling height is set at three meters, enriching the spatial complexity between the first and second floors. The generous volume’s warmth is sustained through radiant floor heating complemented by a wood-burning stove.
Furniture and interior elements were comprehensively designed and coordinated to harmonize with the architectural intent. The use of antique furnishings fosters a serene and composed aesthetic, encapsulating a sense of Showa-era timeworn ambiance within the space. Now entering its twelfth year, maintenance works were undertaken, yet the irreplaceable beauty of the verdigris on the copper roof remains a profound testament to the home’s enduring character.
