kensaku tohmoto architects combines house with gallery in otsu, japan

kensaku tohmoto architects has combined a house with a gallery in this three-story building, located along the national highway in otsu city, shiga prefecture, japan. with a total of 140 sqm, the project encloses the contemporary art gallery on the ground floor, the owner’s atelier, a smaller gallery space, the dining room, kitchen, and bathroom on first level, and the bedroom on the top floor. a parking lot for two cars was set up on the trapezoidal site, while the middle floor is extruded diagonally from the cuboid structure to make use of all available building space, giving the project its characteristic appearance. all images by kensaku tohmoto architects

titled 2kw gallery, the project by kensaku tohmoto architects comprises a three-story, cuboid building whose middle level hovers over the site’s parking space to extend available living space. together with an exterior terrace complete with handrails, and the exterior cladding of the otherwise wooden structure, these characteristics give the project its distinct appearance. the interior space incorporates various diagonal lines that follow the shape of the building.

the project combines a contemporary art gallery on the ground floor, with living spaces for the owner set on the two upper levels. the japanese architecture studio aimed for a maize-like interior, where the connection between the floors is made apparent through various spatial elements, including the staircase leading from the ground to the middle level; and the skylight of the middle floor, whose light also penetrates the living area of the upper floor.

project info:

name: 2kw gallery

architect: kensaku tohmoto architects

construction method: traditional wooden frame

total floor area: 140 m2

location: otowadai, otsu, shiga, japan