Arboleda house by Horibe Associates
The clients for this small house in Tokushima, Japan, asked architect Naoko Horibe for a timber interior and an exterior that looks like a sports car.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_1.jpg)
Naoko Horibe of Osaka studio Horibe Associates says she designed the house to "combine two completely opposing concepts in a single structure, without a sense of clashing."
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_3.jpg)
"One was an exterior like a sports car; the second was a natural interior featuring wood," she said.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_5.jpg)
A cloak of galvanised metal folds over the sides and roof of the structure, forming an asymmetric shape with a streamlined appearance.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_9.jpg)
This layer of cladding overhangs both the front and rear of the building, creating a sheltered entrance and shading the house's windows.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_7.jpg)
The interior centres around a combined living and dining area, which leads directly into every other room and removes the need for corridors.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_8.jpg)
Timber roof joists are left exposed across the ceilings, plus the pitch of the roof creates a pair of triangular windows along the upper sections of the walls.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_10.jpg)
The angled roof also allows space for a small loft, which the architect describes as a "special den" for the family's husband.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_2.jpg)
A bedroom and traditional Japanese room run along one side of the house and are slightly elevated to create storage spaces underneath.
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_4.jpg)
Photography is by Kaori Ichikawa.
![Floor plan of Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_11.gif)
![Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates-dezeen_12.gif)
Key to diagrams:
1.Approach
2.Entrance
3.Living, dining and kitchen
4.Food storage
5.Terrace
6.Japanese-style room
7.Bedroom
8.Walk-in closet
9.Lavatory
10.Washroom
11.Bathroom
12.Closet
13.Loft
![Long section of Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_13.gif)
![Section of Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_14.gif)
![West elevation of Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_15.gif)
![South elevation of Arboleda by Horibe Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2013/11/Arboleda-by-Horibe-Associates_dezeen_16.gif)