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The Kanso House

Kyoto, Japan2025

About the project

The Kanso House is a study in restraint and intentionality. Inspired by Japanese design philosophy, this home embraces the beauty of simplicity. Every element serves a purpose. The cedar-clad exterior weathers beautifully over time, while the plaster walls inside create a sense of calm and continuity. The garden is an integral part of the design — visible from every room, blurring the boundary between inside and out. The name "Kanso" means simplicity in Japanese, and this principle guided every decision. The result is a home that feels both grounded and transcendent — a quiet sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto.

Key features

  • Cedar-clad exterior with traditional joinery
  • Plaster walls with lime finish
  • Sliding shoji screens for flexible spaces
  • Private Japanese garden with koi pond
  • Tatami room for meditation
  • Integrated heating and cooling system

Project details

Area220 m²
Bedrooms3
Bathrooms2
Floors2

Team

ArchitectAtelier Noma
InteriorAtelier Noma
LandscapingKyoto Garden Design
PhotographyHiroshi Tanaka
“
"They made restraint feel generous. Nothing is loud, but everything is present."
Tomás IwaiKanso House, Kyoto

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