layered open plan organizes kitchen-centered house in itoshima peninsula

Studio TAN’s Home in Itoshima fuses Agriculture and Living spaces

Studio TAN designs a residence for a family of four, located on the Itoshima Peninsula, Japan, integrating agricultural elements into daily living. Positioned on a coastline facing the Genkai Sea and the mountains of Mount Sefuri, the site is surrounded by a quiet residential area and a forested landscape to the south, with ample space allocated for farming and poultry keeping. The design prioritizes a connection between food production, preparation, and consumption, shaping the spatial organization of the home.

The site plan optimizes environmental conditions for agricultural activities. Fields are placed on the east side to receive morning sunlight, while fruit trees are positioned on the north side for optimal airflow and afternoon light exposure. The parking area is located along the western access road, ensuring clear sightlines to both the fields and orchard from within the house.

all images by Yashiro Photo Office

Kitchen-Centered Home Blends Indoor and Outdoor Living

The architectural team at Studio TAN centers the interior layout around the kitchen, eliminating the conventional living room in favor of an open plan that extends into a Japanese-style room, a loft library, and an outdoor dining area. The raised tatami space provides an unobstructed visual connection, allowing interaction across different functions. The lofted bookroom overlooks the double-height atrium, creating a secluded yet connected environment. A large dining table extends through an expansive opening, linking indoor and outdoor dining spaces.

The roof design facilitates rainwater management, directing runoff toward three key areas: the parking lot to the west, the orchard to the north, and the cultivated fields to the east. Its sloped form also encloses the loft library, creating a distinct ceiling profile in the atrium and pantry that reflects the structure’s response to seasonal weather conditions. The residence is designed as a framework for daily life, integrating natural surroundings with functional living spaces to foster a close connection between habitation and the landscape of Itoshima.

the residence is designed to integrate agricultural elements into daily life

positioned between the Genkai Sea and Mount Sefuri, the house embraces its natural surroundings

the site offers ample space for farming and poultry keeping, reinforcing a self-sufficient lifestyle

the kitchen serves as the central space, extending into various functional areas

the forested landscape to the south enhances the site’s sense of privacy and tranquility

open spatial planning eliminates the traditional living room in favor of multifunctional areas

the atrium and pantry reflect the roof’s structure, emphasizing seasonal adaptability

the house is positioned to take advantage of natural ventilation and passive lighting

a raised tatami space allows visual and spatial continuity throughout the interior

material selections emphasize durability and a connection to the natural environment

project info:

name: House in Itoshima Peninsula
architects: Studio TAN | @studiotan_insta

lead architect: Sotaro Fujihara
location: Itoshima Peninsula, Japan

photographer: Yashiro Photo Office | @yashirophotooffice

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom