A Courtyard Where the Wind Flows Through｜Mitsuhiro Kojima Architects
This residence is home to a couple, their two children, and their beloved dog. The family’s primary request was to create a home where they could share meaningful moments together. The site is uniquely situated with a neighboring house to the north, a mountain to the east, a small stream to the south, and across the road to the west, an abandoned factory. To maintain privacy and harmony with the northern neighbor, the design adopts a single-story structure with a low profile, while also carefully considering the building’s form and window placement to incorporate the mountain’s verdant backdrop.
On the stream side, existing trees were preserved and the building enveloped in greenery, contributing a gentle, softened image to the surrounding area. The site’s roughly two-meter elevation difference with the road necessitated a family parking space. By integrating the retaining wall construction with the building’s foundation, both the construction schedule and costs were effectively optimized. The road itself, narrow and lined with tall factory walls, had a gloomy atmosphere that was transformed into a brighter, more open impression by creating an adjacent open space. Through these measures, the design achieves a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.
Driven by the wish to allow their aging dog to roam freely without being leashed, the family opted for a courtyard-style residence. This configuration enables the whole family to keep watch over the dog while fostering a continuous spatial flow that promotes shared family atmosphere. At the same time, openings were carefully calibrated to secure privacy, resulting in a subtle and gentle connectivity within the home. Consequently, the courtyard environment became a critical element of the project. The southern courtyard wall was lowered to invite ample daylight, while the northern wall was raised to reflect light back into the courtyard, enhancing brightness. The exterior walls were finished in a high-reflectance white, which not only maximizes light reflection but also accentuates the greenery and sky, reinforcing the close relationship between interior and exterior.
Utilizing the site’s topography, the design facilitates a natural breeze that passes through the courtyard. This airflow connects the courtyard with the parking area, creating an environment where the dog can joyfully greet family members returning home. Simultaneously, the courtyard establishes a connection with the neighborhood, channeling daylight to enliven the surroundings. By day, the courtyard evokes the sunlit patios commonly found in European towns, while at night, the interior lighting softly spills into the courtyard, gently watching over the community.
The family shares that dining on the outdoor terrace during pleasant weather is especially enjoyable. Through the courtyard, they remain connected to each other and their dog, while also embracing the natural elements of greenery and sky. This home ultimately embodies a comfortable and enriching lifestyle where everyday moments are imbued with profound value.
