roof terrace and courtyard enhance family bonds within japanese house by container design

Nestled within a serene neighborhood in Tokushima City, Japan, the House in Kokufu by Container Design blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. The brief was for a house with a comfortable and well-lit atmosphere, fostering familial bonds and interactions. At the core of its design lies a central courtyard that orchestrates the arrangement. The living spaces, encompassing the dining, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and other auxiliary zones, unfurl along the periphery. This allows abundant natural light to fill the central space, acting as a sunroom and bringing the outdoors inside.

all images by Eiji Tomita

The project by Container Design (see more here) proposes a design wherein occupants can experience a sense of family presence throughout the house. An expansive roof crowns the entire structure offering not only shelter but also providing attic-like spaces within its geometric form. Inside the house, the design team created a system of corridors and stairways to facilitate visual connections between the various spaces. Additionally, the architects incorporated a roof cutout that forms a terrace, connecting the interior to the courtyard and the outdoors. These openings allow abundant natural light to permeate the rooms and promote ventilation. The courtyard takes shape as a playground for children and, at the same time, is visible from every room for easy supervision.

blending indoor and outdoor environments

a sculptural roof tops the entire house