This house is located on a corner lot in a densely populated area. The neighboring house stands closely on the east side, and there is a studio on the west side. Therefore, soundproof walls–which also serve as load bearing walls and storage -are built on the east and west sides, while living spaces are arranged in between.
In order to ensure privacy and to create an open atmosphere, multiple floor levels are constructed. In addition, the way of introducing light and outside scenery, as well as the distance to the outside, are adjusted. A ladder, stairs, and slope connect each floor.
Through horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movement, various experiences are created in an open-plan space. The floors are made with materials of which residents can feel the warmth, coolness, softness, and hardness on their skin.
From a fragment of the clients’ conversation, their desire for spaces that match their feelings was detected: spaces that are not predetermined by furniture, but spaces that can be more freely chosen. It resembles the sense for finding one’s own comfortable spot in a wooded yard.
It is like the experience of sitting under a tree to avoid the sun on a hot day, or of looking for a sunny spot for some warmth on a cold day. One’s comfort changes depending on the season and time of day.
The residents will find their own spots according to their feelings, for instance reading in a sunny spot on a soft floor, or lying on a cool floor to experience a nice breeze. In such a way, this house cuddles its residents. Source by Mitsuharu Kojima.
- Location: City of Maebashi, the Boko and Deko, Japan
- Architect: Mitsuharu Kojima
- Main contractor: Yasumatsu Takuken
- Year: 2016
- Photographs: Courtesy of Mitsuharu Kojima
