Introducing House in Oami, a custom-built home example by Yu Architectural Design Studio, a Architect / Design office in 159-20 Tsuboi-cho, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture

The primary requests from the client were twofold: to showcase their existing furniture in the best possible light, and to create a comfortable living environment for their cats.

Within a limited budget, we sought to highlight the elegance and style of the furniture by minimizing the use of synthetic materials such as vinyl tiles and off-the-shelf products. Instead, we employed materials that develop a rich patina over time—such as lauan plywood and flexible boards typically used as substrates—as finishing surfaces, thus crafting a space imbued with character and depth.

To ensure the cats’ comfort, we incorporated dedicated scratching areas and designated spaces for cat litter boxes. The design also includes catwalks and cozy, confined spaces where the cats can feel secure. The terrace is enclosed by tall wooden fences treated with the traditional Shou Sugi Ban technique, preventing the cats from escaping even when they venture outdoors.

The exterior embraces the same philosophy as the interior, utilizing Shou Sugi Ban charred cedar cladding to achieve a harmonious and cohesive aesthetic that evolves gracefully with time. Site: Oamishirasato City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Use: Single-family detached dwelling
Structure: Timber-framed, two-story building
Total floor area: 89 m²
Building footprint: 58 m²