In the realm of architecture, the interplay between the built environment and the natural world is a captivating dance, and the work of local architecture studio YNAS in Japan is a testament to this. Their recent renovation of a traditional timber home in Miyakonojo is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends the indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape. This project, named House in Miyakonojo, is a prime example of how thoughtful design can transform a space, making it feel both intimate and expansive at the same time.
The original home, built in 1978, had a traditional layout with rooms partitioned by sliding screens, creating a sense of separation from the outside world. However, the cramped internal layout and underutilised external spaces led to a feeling of disconnection from the landscape and neighbouring community. To address this, YNAS took a bold approach, removing walls and hedges, and creating a unified living, dining, and kitchen space. This was achieved by eliminating the dark, L-shaped corridor that separated the living area from the kitchen, dining room, and bedroom, and instead using the original timber columns and varied floor finishes to demarcate the different zones.
One of the key design directives was how to handle the varying distances between the family and the community. Rather than simply closing off the home to protect privacy, YNAS took a paradoxical approach, demonstrating through design that no physical borders were being created. The studio deepened the existing engawa (verandahs) with steel and timber canopies, creating an outdoor kitchen space with views of the mountainous skyline. These canopies, topped with corrugated metal, extend the unusually shallow eaves, providing vital shade and allowing the previously underutilised spaces around the perimeter to become an extension of the interiors.
The use of floor materials is a clever way to redefine the Japanese concept of ambiguous boundaries. The kitchen, dining, and eave spaces are continuous mortar doma floors, strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. Conversely, the living room and father's room 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 creates a sense of continuity and unity throughout the space.
The project also includes the reintroduction of traditional features, 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. 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. This attention to detail adds a layer of warmth and character to the space, creating a sense of history and tradition.
The home refresh was accompanied by a strategy to make it self-sustaining, including adding solar panels on its roof and a rainwater harvesting system. This commitment to sustainability is a testament to YNAS's forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the home is not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. The project also raises a deeper question about the role of architecture in creating a sense of community and connection, and how design can be used to bridge the gap between the built environment and the natural world.
In my opinion, the House in Miyakonojo project is a stunning example of how architecture can be used to create a sense of place and belonging. The use of traditional materials and features, combined with a thoughtful approach to layout and design, creates a space that is both timeless and contemporary. It is a project that invites you to step inside and experience the beauty of the natural world, while also providing a sense of privacy and seclusion. The work of YNAS is a reminder that architecture can be a powerful tool for creating a sense of community and connection, and that the built environment can be a reflection of the natural world around us.
