House Passage of Landscape: A Unique Residential House Design by ihrmk

Creating a Connection with Nature

House Passage of Landscape, designed by ihrmk, is a residential house that seamlessly blends with its surroundings, creating a harmonious connection with nature.

This innovative design takes inspiration from the tanada, or terraced paddy fields, that are commonly found in the southern and western regions of Japan. The three gate-shaped frames that compose the wall, floor, and ceiling of the house are layered in tiers, creating a unique visual appeal.

One of the key features of House Passage of Landscape is the strategic placement of the frames, which allows for a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. On the first floor, the living room, wood deck, and garden form a straight line that extends towards the slope of the rice fields on the north side. The first floor also connects to the dining room and other areas on the second floor through the gaps in the frames on the south side. This design element not only enhances the flow of natural light and ventilation but also provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The exterior materials of the house are carefully chosen to complement the design. The roof is made of FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), while the gate-shaped frames are constructed using cedar board paneling and fiber-reinforced cement board. The interior features oak flooring for the main floor, which is also a component of the frames. The walls and ceilings are made of basswood plywood and gypsum board paneling, creating a seamless transition from the living room to the deck and allowing the eyes to smoothly move towards the outside.

House Passage of Landscape is not only visually appealing but also highly functional. The design allows for a unique interaction with the surrounding landscape, enabling residents to experience the different qualities of light, wind, sound, and the vastness of the sky. The house becomes a passage that connects the inside and outside, creating a sense of unity with nature.

This remarkable design project was realized by a talented team. Architect Masaki Ihara, structural engineer Atsushi Fujio, garden designer Ryo Tabata, and furniture designer Hideaki Suzuki all contributed their expertise to bring House Passage of Landscape to life.

The construction of House Passage of Landscape took place from November 2013 to September 2014 in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. The design process spanned from May 2012 to September 2013. The location of the house within an urbanization control area ensures the preservation of the surrounding landscape, providing a peaceful and beautiful environment for the residents.

House Passage of Landscape has received recognition for its exceptional design. In 2015, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.

House Passage of Landscape is a testament to the innovative and unique designs that ihrmk is known for. By seamlessly integrating the house with its natural surroundings, this design creates a truly remarkable living experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Masaki Ihara
Image Credits: Main Image and Image #1-4: Photographer Hiroshi Ueda, 2014.
Project Team Members: Architect: Masaki Ihara Structural engineering: Atsushi Fujio Garden designer: Ryo Tabata Furniture designer: Hideaki Suzuki
Project Name: Passage of Landscape
Project Client: Masaki Ihara


Passage of Landscape IMG #2
Passage of Landscape IMG #3
Passage of Landscape IMG #4
Passage of Landscape IMG #5
Passage of Landscape IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant