House in Minamiashigara

The central courtyard functions as an open-air living room, connected to every room and encouraging diverse forms of interaction—dining, movement, relaxation—while maintaining privacy.
The living room features high ceilings and natural light that reaches every corner. Windows at varying heights promote natural ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning.

A secondary courtyard in front of the bathroom creates a separate circulation route for laundry and other daily tasks.
At the entrance, a structural beam from the original house is reused and fitted with lighting. At night, the courtyard glows softly, offering a gentle light to the surrounding neighborhood.