sobokuya rests wooden home on stone foundation near mount yatsugatake in japan

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suashi no le is a house in harmony with nature

Nestled at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, Suashi no Ie (Barefoot House) blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with sustainable living. The design by Japanese studio Sobokuya, inspired by the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto, features a raised stone foundation supporting the house, preventing moisture buildup and creating pathways for air circulation.

Natural materials like Yatsugatake pine and chestnut wood enhance the space’s warm, regenerative atmosphere, while large sliding doors open to align with the treetops outside, creating the feeling of finding shelter in a treehouse.

all images courtesy of Sobokuya

sobokuya looks to the architecture of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

In 2021, Sobokuya began work to create the regenerative home which, from its name to its materiality and construction, embodies the owner’s penchant for connecting with the earth and walking barefoot. The kakezukuri and nuki construction methods, traditionally used to stabilize buildings on uneven terrain, were adapted for this house, ensuring stability on the challenging landscape.

The foundation itself was crafted from natural stones, with charred wooden piles driven beneath them to support soil health. Pillars were carefully hand-carved to fit the irregularities of the natural stones. Carpentry techniques were further executed with great precision, using Yatsugatake pine for the powerful beams, and featuring the studio’s original wooden fittings throughout the house.

the design evokes the iconic stage of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto

natural materials including wood and stone infuse warmth

The house features solar water heaters, a wood boiler, and a custom-designed wood stove, all chosen to circulate and conserve energy efficiently, aligning with the home’s regenerative ethos. Inside, the spacious living room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, creating an open, airy atmosphere. Solid chestnut wood was used for the kitchen, emphasizing the natural texture of the wood, which will age gracefully over time. Custom-made storage units blend form and function, crafted specifically to suit the household. Large sliding doors made of wood open to views that align with the treetops, giving the impression of being in a treehouse.

The expansive open deck offers an awe-inspiring outdoor space, while the skylights and narrow windows invite natural light into the home, enhancing the warm and cosy atmosphere. The exterior of Suashi no Ie combines tradition and modernity. The outer walls, finished with lime plaster, give the house a clean and bright appearance, while the wooden beams of the ceiling emphasize the traditional aesthetic. With its thoughtful design and materials, Suashi no ie fosters a continuous cycle of regeneration between people and nature, ensuring that this relationship grows and evolves as the house ages.

Suashi no Ie (Barefoot House) blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with sustainable living