Kitabatake2: A Bright and Open-Air Residential House

An Innovative Design by Shunichiro Ninomiya

The site of the Kitabatake2 house posed a challenge due to its elongated shape and the presence of adjacent buildings. To overcome this, Ninomiya introduced a courtyard and top light to bring in ample natural light and create an open and airy living space. The courtyard, adorned with lush greenery, infuses the interior with a sense of tranquility and moisture.

One of the standout features of the Kitabatake2 house is the slit-shaped top light. This unique design element allows light to enter and illuminate the wall surfaces, creating a play of light and shadow that adds depth and visual interest to the space.

The Kitabatake2 house is constructed primarily with wood, providing a warm and natural ambiance. The first floor houses the public spaces, while the second floor is divided into individual spaces, ensuring functionality and privacy for the residents. The outer walls are covered with cement board and painted with antifouling paint, ensuring durability and low maintenance.

With dimensions of 6370 mm width, 141050 mm depth, and 8291 mm height, the Kitabatake2 house boasts a total area of 139.71 m2, with a building area of 77.80 m2. The design team, led by Shunichiro Ninomiya, included talented individuals such as Tomoko Morodome, Yuki Hori, Tkakayuki Hama, Akihiro Takeda, Kazuhiko Hanai, Kozo Tatsumi, and Eiji Tomita, who also contributed as the photographer.

The Kitabatake2 house offers a functional and comfortable living space for its residents. The design successfully separates the public and individual spaces, ensuring privacy while maintaining a sense of openness. The project, which began in July 2017 in Osaka, Japan, was completed in November 2018.

This exceptional design was recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2019. The award highlights the ingenuity and creativity of the Kitabatake2 house, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. It is a testament to the technical and creative skills of Shunichiro Ninomiya and his team, who have contributed to improving the quality of life through their innovative design.