House for a Photographer

The house by FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects in Shiga, Japan, also offers a dynamic space with proportion and scale that allow it to serve as a photographic studio.

FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects designed a house for a photographer in Shiga, Japan. The client requested to unite the studio where he produces works with his living space. Thus, Japanese studio camed up with a plan by clarifying how the resident wants to live instead of segmenting the space by function.


Img.1 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.2 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.3 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.4 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.5 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.6 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.7 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017. Photo Yoshihiro Asada
Img.8 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.9 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017. Photo Yoshihiro Asada
Img.10 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.11 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
Img.12 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017. Photo Yoshihiro Asada
Img.13 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017
FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, ground floor
FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, first floor
FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, section

  The building is made of concrete and galvanized steel sheets, which reflect the dull light making it look massive. It is laid out to be accommodated within the L-shaped lot, and stands facing the shrine on the opposite side. The building is used as a studio and gallery of the photographer and his residence as well. The long thin passage serving as an alley to go around the gallery has other functions than a mere pathway; it is also used as a space to post artworks and photos on the wall.

Img.14 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017

A hall that is located at the center of the building with different floor levels plays a role of a hub which connects with each space. It is connected to the courtyard, not only providing functional comfort but also displaying scenic beauty. The building used as a living space also offers a dynamic space with proportion and scale that allow it to serve as a photo studio. Light coming through the high-side light envelops the room, enabling photo-shooting with natural light.


Img.15 FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects, House for a photographer, Shiga, Japan, 2017. Photo Yoshihiro Asada