House A / Shop B (Bolts Hardware Store) designed by KimuraMatsumoto Architects, located just north of central Kyoto, embodies a dynamic interplay between public and private space, typical of the city’s mixed-use zoning.
The architectural form responds to Kyoto's characteristic patchwork of residential and commercial environments. By orienting the structure towards the north, the design acknowledges the unpredictability of the urban fabric while consolidating core structural elements on the southern side, which is likely to remain undisturbed. This strategic openness, paired with thoughtful compartmentalization, defines a spatial continuity that is striking yet pragmatically subdued.
The building’s defining “fishbone” frame withト-shaped wooden trusses not only reinforces its structural integrity but doubles as a visual anchor. These trusses extend outward, delineating space in a manner that allows for a hierarchy of functions across levels, including a second-story residence, workshop, and a modest café. Through this modular approach, the architects skillfully craft a spatial dialogue between utility and intimacy, capturing the rhythms of daily life while respecting the architectural heritage of Kyoto.
