A Curved Home And Sake Store In Hokkaido, Japan

The shape taken by ‘Corridor of the Fold’ is unusual; its curvilinear form juxtaposed against a typical suburban streetscape populated by more traditional Japanese houses. The double-storey building is divided between private and public quarters, acting as both the work and living space for a couple. Externally, the building appears impenetrable, the wood-clad exterior windowless and bold. But walk inside the curved form, and windows appear, illuminating the home and workplace with natural light. The entrance to the store—a specialist sake bar and tasting room—is reached through the courtyard. Housed on the curved ground floor, this area features seating for guests during tastings, and shelving for storage of products. The floor plan repeats itself on the upper floor, where the space is reserved for the residents of the property.