Canal House

A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity

The Canal House in Kyoto stands as a testament to the delicate balance between contemporary design and traditional Japanese architecture. Situated along a canal, the residence employs a terraced façade that draws inspiration from the Shitomodo eave styles, a feature historically prevalent in canal-side homes. This architectural choice not only ensures privacy but also frames picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

The innovative use of materials is evident in the concrete eaves and struts, which reinterpret traditional wooden elements, creating a striking contrast between mass and lightness. Each eave shelters a Yoshino-style window, serving as a lantern that illuminates the space below.

Inside, the house is organized around a light-filled courtyard and a rooftop patio that offers vistas of Mount Daimonji-yama. The exterior is defined by robust, cast-in-place concrete walls, while a glass curtain wall encloses the courtyard, directing views towards a meticulously designed garden by Toshiya Ogino. A traditional wooden tea house by Nakamura Sotoji Construction is seamlessly integrated into the residence, accessed via an informal garden path.

Natural light permeates through all levels, fostering intimate indoor-outdoor living spaces that reflect the essence of Japanese residential architecture.

Design Highlights

• Integration of contemporary and traditional Japanese architectural elements

• Terraced façade with concrete reinterpretation of Shitomodo eaves

• Light-filled interior courtyard and rooftop patio

• Glass curtain wall oriented towards a landscaped garden

• Traditional wooden tea house nestled within the residence

Key Facts

This project exemplifies modern architecture through its innovative material use and spatial organization, creating a residence that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking.