Engawa

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Location
Wollaton

Project Type
Single storey extension and landscaping

Services
Architecture

Status
Complete

Description

Engawa is the in-between space that bridges house and garden in Japanese tradition, a transitional area where daily life meets nature.

This distinctive rear extension is a testament to the harmonious blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Designed for a Japanese client and his Croatian wife, the space is imbued with a deep appreciation for morning rituals, natural light, and the rhythms of everyday life. Every element has been carefully considered to create a home that is at once serene, functional, and inviting.

Timber clad extension with Japanese style garden

At the heart of the design lies a U-shaped extension, which gracefully forms two distinct yet interconnected zones. On the right, a tranquil tea area bathes in soft morning light, offering the perfect place to begin the day in calm reflection. On the left, a flexible dining space features a unique expandable table, welcoming gatherings with family and friends. Thoughtfully positioned windows between the two zones maintain a sense of openness, allowing the entire extension to feel visually connected.

A key feature is the seamless flow from the front door straight through the home to the garden, a design gesture that instantly welcomes the outside in. The bi-fold doors open onto a pergola-covered terrace, where Iroko wood and climbing plants create a soft canopy of dappled light. Even in the rain, a glass cover allows the clients to sit outside and enjoy the view, sheltered from the elements, yet fully connected to nature.

Traditional Japanese tea cups laid out on a tray

The garden itself is a masterpiece of structured beauty and natural elegance. A split-level pond adds the soothing sound of flowing water, while carefully positioned lighting highlights the delicate leaves of an established acer tree and the fresh greenery of new plantings. Timber elements are chosen to age gracefully, blending the home into its natural surroundings over time.

Ultimately, this project is about connection: connecting indoor and outdoor living, honouring cultural traditions, and crafting a space that evolves beautifully with the seasons. It is a home that comes alive in every moment, day and night.

Timber clad extension with slatted pergola and Japanese style garden

Design Haus Architecture
5 Portland Road
West Bridgford
Nottingham NG2 6DN

studio@designhausarchitecture.co.uk
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