Stack Up

House for KENBO Co., Ltd.

The house is designed to resemble a resort hotel with privacy despite its urban location. The building is designed to look like a stack of boxes of different sizes giving it a sense of depth. In addition a courtyard has been adopted to create a private environment where people can enjoy natural light and breezes while ensuring an open space without worrying about the line of sight from the outside. The result is a comfortable and ideal living environment that offers both privacy and a sense of openness.

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Download Press Kit № 169244 House for KENBO Co., Ltd. by Kazuma Kobayashi to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Stack Up by Kazuma Kobayashi

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House by Kazuma Kobayashi

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Kazuma Kobayashi Stack Up

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Kazuma Kobayashi House

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KENBO Co Ltd Brand Logo

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Unique Properties

This building was designed to achieve an open space while protecting privacy in an environment where the surrounding buildings are close together. The placement of the windows was adjusted to take into account the view from the outside. The interior was designed with a high ceiling to create a pleasant sense of spaciousness while reducing the sense of oppression. Furthermore large glass was effectivel placed to bring in plenty of natural light creating a bright and open space.

Tags

house, box, japan, Architecture, garden, pet

Production Technology

wooden Second story building

Design Challenge

At the client's request we incorporated a design that would make the miscellaneous goods collected as a hobby stand out in the home. We adjusted the interior materials and colors to create a space that would bring out the appeal of the miscellaneous goods. In addition the garden design is centered around stones and we designed it to harmonize with the interior while making the most of the texture of natural materials.

Project Duration

Built in Kurashiki City Okayama Prefecture in 2023

Operation Flow

The garden is designed to be used as a dog run and a spacious area has been secured where pets can run around freely. Safety has also been taken into consideration and by carefully selecting the height of the fences and stairs an environment has been created where dogs can live comfortably.

Research

We carefully considered the optimal window layout taking into account the surrounding environment. We made sure to incorporate the client's request for large windows while also making sure to create a space where they could live comfortably. In particular we planted a large tree in the garden and used it as a screen. This allowed us to block out the view from outside while also letting in a pleasant amount of light creating a living room with a sense of openness.

Inspiration

This house is located in the city center but we aimed to create a space that would provide a high level of privacy and a sense of comfort similar to that of a resort hotel. The building has a design that resembles overlapping boxes giving it a sense of depth. In addition by incorporating a design with a courtyard we have created an open space. While allowing in natural light and wind, we have created a private space where you can spend time without worrying about the eyes of those around you.

Image Credits

Photographer Senichiro Nogami

Project Overview

Stack Up House has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

Kazuma Kobayashi was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Stack Up House.

Kazuma Kobayashi Newsroom

Discover outstanding design and award-winning initiatives in the Kazuma Kobayashi Newsroom.