Kouichi Kimura’s House For A Photographer

‘House for a Photographer’ is located in a countryside area in the Japanese district of Shiga, facing a village shrine. A boxy exterior presents volumes of mortar and galvanized steel sheet, designed to reflect dull light. This gives the impression of a miniature factory site, an appearance that is particularly appropriate for the house: the project establishes a studio and gallery for the photographer to produce and exhibit his work, as well as somewhere to call home. The L-shaped, 170 square meter property presents an interior of two distinct and contrasting design themes. The living areas are decorated with wall-to-floor wood paneling, and the spaces designed for work have been washed with white paint, featuring exposed concrete flooring. FORM Architects have created ample opportunity for natural light to flood the home, which incorporates large window panels and sliding doors. The gallery space is splashed with interesting shadows and light reflections, due to the room’s varying ceiling heights and skylights.