Architecture studio of Tomoaki Uno Architects designed a simple and adjusted house in a reduced space together with a low budget. The house is located in Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture and the fourth largest city in Japan.

The size of the building was adapted to the discreet dimensions of the plot. The studio thought of using the traditional Japanese “Itakura” method as a practical solution, which allows its occupants to dismantle the buildings easily, keeping the temperature and humidity stable inside, while having a good fire resistance response and rot, making them capable of lasting 100 years.

Tomoaki Uno Architects created a loft divided into two floors, with a high and steep ceiling. Ground floor hold the common rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room. First floor adapts to the shape of the roof, creating space for the rooms.

House is built of wood, and the windows were minimized to ensure space. Natural light is used thanks to a skylight and the movement of the sun throughout the day. In addition, the details of the door knobs and lamps are designed by the studio.


Togoku House by Tomoaki Uno Architects. Photograph by Tomoaki Uno.


Togoku House by Tomoaki Uno Architects. Photograph by Tomoaki Uno.

Description of project by Tomoaki Uno Architects

The plan was a tight budget house.I thought that the Japanese traditional method “Itakura” was the best under severe conditions. "Itakura" is a construction method with beauty, heat insulation and fire prevention performance.The size of a building is inevitably determined by securing one parking space on a limited site. Budget and site conditions made it very difficult to secure space for three families.I decided to create a loft by making the roof steep, and make it a children's room. Windows were minimized to secure things and the location of the family.

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Architects
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Tomoaki Uno Architects. Lead architect.- Tomoaki Uno.
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Area
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51.84 m².
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Dates
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Completion Year.- 2015.
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Location
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Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Japan.
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Photography
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Tomoaki Uno.
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Uno Tomoaki. Born in Aichi pref, Japan, 1960. He graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University, 1983. He worked at Hasebe Architects, from 1983-90, and at the age of 30 established Tomoaki Uno Architects in 1990, in Nagoya City, Aichi Pref, Japan.

The practice has a portfolio of around 40 built projects, mostly houses, where he pays special attention to details, accuracy, and depuration, reflecting technically and emotionally.
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Published on: May 11, 2023
Cite: "Construction method "Itakura". Togoku House by Tomoaki Uno Architects" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/construction-method-itakura-togoku-house-tomoaki-uno-architects> ISSN 1139-6415
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