This Ultra-Narrow Japanese Home Redefines Minimal Living in Style

Architects: Hearth Architects
Area: 115 m²
Year: 2017
Photographs: Yuta Yamada
Country: Japan

Shoei House by Hearth Architects is a compact residence in Kyoto designed on a long and narrow site measuring 5.5 meters wide and 32 meters deep, following the traditional “Unagi no Nedoko” layout. To overcome limited light and ventilation caused by neighboring buildings, the main living areas were placed on the second floor, while a piloti structure allows airflow at the ground level. Blending simplicity with nature, the design incorporates plants inside and outside the home, creating a serene, minimalist atmosphere where residents can experience the changing seasons and the timeless harmony of Japanese architecture.