Monopitched Roof: A Modern Take on Traditional Japanese Architecture

Masato Sekiya's Award-Winning Design Blends Modernity with Tradition

The Monopitched Roof residence is situated in rural Nara Prefecture, Japan, on a 626㎡ piece of land surrounded by roads on three sides. The house is arranged around a central traditional Japanese garden, creating a flow between each room. The east and west wings house the bedrooms, while the living room to the north offers a dynamic view along the length of the garden. Glass doors fully open, transforming the interior into an expansive indoor-outdoor space.

The design's unique feature is its series of mono-pitched roofs, an adaptation of traditional architectural style. These roofs, fitted with glass panels between girders, allow natural light from the north to filter in. The south side, in contrast, provides shade from the intense summer sun. This design not only creates an aesthetically pleasing structure but also ensures an energy-efficient home that harmonizes with its environment.

The large span mono-pitched roof is supported by 70mm x 250mm rafters of integrated material placed at intervals of 470mm. The roof material is a titanium zinc alloy, known for its superior thermal insulation ability. This is realized by the combination of a heat shield sheet, aeration layer, and insulation material.

The house is designed for an extended family, with the upstairs of the east wing providing a separate living space. This area is isolated from the rest of the house by the garden, ensuring privacy. The overall design creates an environment conducive to a calm and tranquil lifestyle, far removed from the stresses of modern society.

Despite the challenges faced during construction, including legal constraints on building in the rural area and the house's large size, the project was completed in two years, from 2016 to 2018. The result is a modern three-generational home that adapts traditional architectural elements into a contemporary context, creating a dynamic view over the garden and an indoor-outdoor space through the use of fully opening glass doors.

With its innovative design and thoughtful integration of traditional elements, the Monopitched Roof residence is a testament to Sekiya's architectural prowess and his ability to create designs that not only please the eye but also serve practical purposes. This project is a shining example of how modern architecture can pay homage to tradition while pushing the boundaries of design.