In the agricultural village of Nagaoka city, Niigata prefecture, the Japanese architectural studio, Takeru Shoji Architects, has transformed a tent-shaped small house called Hara House into a vibrant hub for community activities.
The tent structure comprises numerous vinyl greenhouses and work sheds, with its design featuring 120mm (4.72in) square timber members forming ‘A frame‘ trusses. The extensive use of warm timber within the small house creates a welcoming ambiance, encouraging neighbors to gather, socialize, and potentially organize neighborhood events.
Described by the studio as a simple ‘series of truss frames,’ Hara House aims to unite various elements by integrating into the collective form of the village. It strengthens existing bonds while fostering new connections with neighboring structures and the community at large.
The tent concept evokes images of family vacations and discovery, activities that the community can enjoy at Hara House, whether it’s providing a space for children to study after school or hosting community meetings to plan a garden center. Hara House serves as the heart of the village.
The ground floor of the small house comprises a foyer, kitchen, toilet, living room, dining space (which can double as a meeting area for the village), a bedroom, bathroom, outdoor terrace, and parking for two cars. The original rooms and partitions were removed to create a fluid and easily navigable space. Instead of a series of enclosed rooms, Hara House offers an open area that can adapt based on its intended use.
The studio explains, “Storage, partitions, and private rooms have been minimized to create a single expansive space that can be customized to the user’s needs.” This design encourages reliance on the surrounding buildings, extending beyond the house itself and promoting the use of existing architecture.
Hara House emphasizes that architecture goes beyond individual homes. A building’s impact extends to the community, connecting the residents of Nagaoka city in a way that complements the village’s existing architectural style.
By rekindling community ties, Hara House serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and nurturing connections. It embodies the notion that supporting one another is essential, echoing the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Hara House acts as a focal point where neighbors can offer assistance, such as childcare, cooking for new parents, school pickups, or establishing a homework club.
The studio states, “Hara House proposes a ‘small house’ that introduces a new ‘village management system,’ offering a way to rejuvenate villages characterized by strong interconnections.”
