In the realm of architecture, the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is a concept that transcends mere functionality. It's an art, a delicate dance between design and nature, where the boundaries between the two blur, creating a harmonious living experience. This is precisely what the Japanese architecture studio YNAS has achieved with their recent renovation of a traditional timber home in southern Japan. The project, named House in Miyakonojo, is a testament to the studio's innovative approach to architecture, where the use of timber-framed canopies becomes a powerful tool to reconnect the home with its natural surroundings.
The renovation was a response to the clients' desire to return to their ancestral home, a single-storey timber dwelling built in 1978. The original structure, while structurally sound, suffered from a cramped internal layout and underutilised external spaces, leading to a sense of disconnection from the landscape and the neighbouring community. YNAS' solution was to open up the home's boundaries, a design directive that aimed to bridge the gap between the family and the community.
The studio's approach was both bold and paradoxical. Instead of closing off the home to protect privacy, they chose to demonstrate through design that no physical borders were being created. The removal of walls and hedges, combined with the deepening of engawa (verandahs) with steel and timber canopies, created a sense of openness and connectivity. The new canopies, topped with corrugated metal, not only provided shade but also extended the home's unusually shallow eaves, allowing the previously underutilised spaces around its perimeter to become an extension of the interiors.
One of the key elements of the design is the redefining of the Japanese concept of ambiguous boundaries through floor materials. The kitchen, dining, and eave spaces are continuous mortar doma floors, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. This is in contrast to the living room and father's room, which utilise tatami mats made from authentic rush (igusa) from Kyushu, allowing the residents to feel a connection to the land even through the soles of their feet. This subtle yet powerful use of materials highlights the studio's understanding of the cultural and psychological importance of materials in Japanese architecture.
The renovation also introduced traditional features into the home's new spaces, such as a kamado (wood-fired stove) in the outdoor kitchen, an irori (sunken hearth) in the indoor kitchen, and a steel wood-fired bath in the wet room. These elements not only add to the home's character but also serve as a reminder of the clients' connection to their ancestral roots. The firewood for these elements is stored in a low gabion wall made from local rubble, which replaced a hedge at the front of the home to help obscure views from the road into the living room, further enhancing the sense of privacy and connection to the surrounding landscape.
The home's refresh was accompanied by a strategy to make it self-sustaining, including the addition of solar panels on its roof and a rainwater harvesting system. This commitment to sustainability not only reduces the home's environmental impact but also aligns with the clients' desire to live in harmony with nature. The project's broader implications extend beyond the home itself, offering a model for sustainable and environmentally conscious architecture that respects the natural environment and cultural heritage.
In my opinion, the House in Miyakonojo project is a masterpiece of architectural innovation and cultural sensitivity. It demonstrates how architecture can be used as a tool to reconnect people with their surroundings, both physically and psychologically. The use of timber-framed canopies and the redefining of boundaries are not just design choices but powerful statements about the relationship between humans and nature. This project is a reminder that architecture is not just about creating physical spaces but also about creating meaningful experiences that enrich our lives and connect us to the world around us.
