Tsubasa Iwahashi Architects built a small addition to an existing house in Okayama, Japan. The new structure provides separate living quarters for a couple while sharing amenities with the main residence. The architects positioned the hut at a distance from the original building, connected by a covered walkway.

‍

The main house contains the kitchen, dining room, and large living spaces. Rather than duplicate these functions, the hut provides only sleeping quarters and private areas. A single-slope roof extends from the main house's dining area to create a covered hall between buildings. This connecting space serves multiple purposes: garden workspace, covered outdoor seating, and weather-protected passage between structures.

‍

The hut rises two stories with large windows facing the garden on the upper floor. A balcony sits on the hall's roof, accessible from the second level. The structural system uses standard Japanese residential framing with wood posts and beams. Windows are positioned to frame specific tree views and capture cross-ventilation through the forest canopy.

‍

The project demonstrates an alternative to standard home additions. Instead of expanding the existing structure, the architects created a satellite building that maintains privacy while sharing resources. This approach preserves the original house's proportions and creates new outdoor spaces between buildings.