a nature-filled interior evoking the essence of the outdoor environment.

'kofunaki house' by ALTS design office, shiga, japan
all images courtesy of ALTS design office


positioned within an eco-village in shiga, japan, the 'kofunaki house' designed by sumiou mizumoto and yoshitaka kuga of 
shiga-based practice ALTS design office offers inhabitants a nature-filled interior evoking the essence of the outdoor environment. 
derived from the memory of ancient humans and their previous cohabitation in nature and japanese desire to experience 
changing seasons, this dwelling integrates the woods into the heart of the living space.

wood is the prevalent finishing material, surfacing accent walls in planks along with matching cabinets, tables and chairs. 
on the ground level, patches are removed from the concrete floors and filled with fine gravel to plant shrubs and trees. 
wooden boards are inset into the loose floor covering like stepping stones for a secure foothold. these components are continued 
as the treads on the open-riser stair to the upper-storey.



shrubs are planted within small plots on the home's ground level



wooden planks are inset into gravel patches



green plants are perched at various heights to surround inhabitants with vegetation



children's room



illuminated at night



at night