SMALL MOUNTAIN LODGE is a single floor weekend house, built in a mountain valley in the west of Yamanashi prefecture. This region is a mountainous area rich in nature, at a short distance from Tokyo, which can be reached in about two hours.
The house has a large opening and terrace on the north side to enjoy the seasonal views of the Japanese garden with its pine trees and pond and the mountains beyond. It’s compact box-shape exterior can host a small group of people for a short stay. The living room, kitchen and bedrooms are connected in an open floor plan. The remaining closed of volume and deep walls contain various other functions such as the toilet, bathroom, laundry space, storage and technical spaces.
Both the North and South side of the building are characterized by the louver-screens. These hide behind them the terrace, storage spaces and ventilation openings, giving the facades and the main space of the building a simple and decluttered esthetic. The shutters themselves can be moved in front of, or away from, the main windows of the house. This offers security when the house is not occupied and makes the spaces adaptable according to the circumstances.