FT architects covers photo studio in japan with asymmetrical roof photo by shigeo ogawa all images courtesy of FT architects

japanese practice FT architects has designed and realized a single-volume gable roof photography studio in the garden of their client’s yard in kanagawa, japan. with a floor area measuring 4.5 meters by 7.2 meters, the scheme includes diagonally oriented beams, producing an asymmetrical form that provides higher spaces necessary for photo shoots. on its exterior, the construction is clad in translucent corrugated polycarbonate sheeting, which visually reveals its structural framework. known as ‘light shed’, the luminous space permits desirable ambient daylight through its composition of frosted and clear-glazed windows both within the roof and walls.

corrugated polycarbonate exterior cladding reveals the shed’s structural framework photo by shigeo ogawa

a single sliding barn door accesses the inside photo by shigeo ogawa

three robust logs meet at a single vertex to support the asymmetrical gable roof photo by shigeo ogawa

the space looks out on the surrounding garden photo by shigeo ogawa

frosted glazing in the roof provides soft daylight desirable for photo shoots photos by shigeo ogawa

while the design of ‘light shed’ was primarily derived from the pragmatic particularities of a photography studio, the architects also intended to embed symbolic value in the project. the volume’s robust log beams and exposed wood framework reference japanese timber building traditions, while featuring modern sensibilities for contemporary relevance.

the shed occupies the garden of the photographer client’s main house photo by shigeo ogawa

the floor area measures 4.5 meters x 7.2 meters photos by shigeo ogawa

location: kanagawa, japan completion date: 2014 principal use: photo studio floor area: 33.12 sqm structure: wood architecture: katsuya fukushima, hiroko tominaga / FT architects photography: shigeo ogawa

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