Modern house built in the garden with two trees of sentimental value

This small garden house was designed by Hironaka Ogawa & Associates and completed in 2010 in Kagawa, Japan. The project was an extension to an existing family house, built on a garden site where two trees had deep sentimental value. Rather than erase that memory, the architects preserved the trunks and returned them to their original positions inside the new space.

A garden house with a modern minimalist style

The garden house the garden was designed simply, in keeping with its quiet Japanese garden setting. From the outside, the building looks minimal and elegant. Although the footprint is compact, the plan answers the owner’s needs with a calm and carefully organized interior.

Garden house – trees as part of the interior

The tree trunks integrated into the interior are the home’s defining decorative element. A wave-like chandelier wraps around the branches, while the dining area uses warm wood for the floor and furniture. The rest of the interior is kept mostly white, allowing the preserved trunks to stand out. The minimal interior stays in harmony with the facade, and the garden house shows how memory and modern design can work together.

Entrance hall with an elegant design

Side view of house

Corridor with wave-like lines

Tree trunk in the living room

Overview of the second floor

Chandelier with a wave-like form

Tree trunks integrated into the roof

Original garden setting

The floor plan

Tree trunks within the interior

Exterior overview