This is a plan for the Kuri (priest’s living quarters) of a temple located in the outskirts of the city center. It stands alongside the main hall and guest hall, amidst lush greenery with a subtle play of shadows, enveloped in tranquility and the sound of sutra chanting, accompanied by the fragrance of incense. Understanding the emotional state of visitors, it was felt that the Kuri should possess an appropriate sense of serenity befitting such a peaceful temple grounds, while also maintaining a discreet presence that doesn’t reveal the personal lives of the residents.

On the other hand, the resident priest and his wife, likening their former life in the Kuri to living in a mouse hole, also desired a spacious, bright, and open environment that allows for a more expansive way of living.

Thus, the goal is to achieve both an outwardly serene appearance and the desired openness from within. Firstly, a simple plan in the form of a “C” shape was adopted, enclosing a central courtyard to expand the visual perspective. Additionally, to harmonize with the surrounding facilities and create an appropriate play of shadows within the temple grounds, a design with deep eaves and a gabled roof was chosen.

Furthermore, various “buffer spaces” were created to connect daily life with the overall ambiance. Spaces under the eaves and intentional gaps between the gabled roof were designed to gently bridge the divide between public and private areas, allowing light to permeate these “buffer spaces.”

Through the integration of entrance halls, corridors, staircases, workspaces, verandas, and courtyard gardens, all disguised as “buffer spaces,” private living quarters gain a sense of openness.

With the core concept of transitioning from personal to communal spaces, and vice versa, through these “buffer spaces,” the aim is for the family to experience a smooth emotional shift while navigating their daily lives, ultimately connecting with the temple grounds.