![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_hero-852x479.jpg)
House with "margin space" helps relocating city-dwellers adjust to life in rural Japan
To encourage the occupants of this house to socialise with their neighbours, Japanese architect Takanori Ineyama added a patio deck, a first-floor balcony and a large bay window to the building's facade.
Ineyama designed Tab House for a young family who recently moved out of Tokyo, in favour of a more rural setting in Yamanashi Prefecture.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x1279.jpg)
The architect was himself born in the area but had moved to Tokyo to study architecture, before later returning to set up his practice. So he knew that integrating into a rural community, after previously living in a big city, can be hard.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x682.jpg)
To help the clients adjust to this big change, he designed a house that encourages them to venture outside. It does this by extending the living spaces out towards the garden, where they are visible to neighbours.
"We attached a margin space to the facade of the house, which is in contact with the area, such as large observation deck and the edge, and bay windows," said Ineyama.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x682.jpg)
Sliding doors can be pulled back to connect the house's main living space with the patio deck, while the balcony forms an extension of a first-floor mezzanine, containing a more secluded lounge and a study.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x1279.jpg)
The large bay window fronts a traditional "Japanese-style" room, which is slotted beneath the mezzanine, and which also features fusuma-style sliding doors and a floor covering of tatami mats.
"We thought that opening the owners' behaviour will increase the opportunity to come in contact with the surrounding residents and surrounding nature," said Ineyama.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_10-852x1279.jpg)
The layout of the interior is fairly straightforward, organised around the double-height living space. The kitchen is located on the opposite side of the plan to the tatami room, and is framed by a second mezzanine that accommodates two bedrooms.
Large windows on all sides provide views out over the leafy neighbourhood. Other details include exposed timber columns and beams that provide bookshelves, and a colour palette that includes dark greens and greys.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_17-852x1279.jpg)
The region can be cold, so the house is also fitted with a system that blows hot air up from under the floor, to distribute it throughout the open-plan interior.
"The whole family uses the energy efficiently by sharing the indoor environment in a large space," explained Ineyama.
![Tab House by Takanori Ineyama Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/11/tab-house-by-takanori-ineyama-architects_dezeen_2364_col_16-852x682.jpg)
Ineyama was previously a partner of ON Design, before starting his own firm. Previous projects include a house with a huge tiled roof that integrates openings for tree branches and a property that is divided into two halves.
Photography is by Koichi Torimura.
Project credits:
Architecture: Takanori Ineyama Architects
Architect in charge: Takanori Ineyama
Structure: Kazuyuki Ohara, Shuichi Takahashi/BSI
Construction: Takumi Construction