OH’s lot was shaped irregularly and is 1.5 m lower then the road.  OH’s top priority was parking space for a car.  We created a parking space with web-like steel material, where light can filter from the web onto the underground level.  Looking up from there, it looks as though a car is floating.  Total of 6 people, 3 of OH’s immediate fa... read more

OH’s lot was shaped irregularly and is 1.5 m lower then the road.  OH’s top priority was parking space for a car.  We created a parking space with web-like steel material, where light can filter from the web onto the underground level.  Looking up from there, it looks as though a car is floating.  Total of 6 people, 3 of OH’s immediate family, his parents and sister, will live in this house.  “More specific the conditions are on a project, less deviation from the concept” says Yamashita.  “If client and architect can share the visual image, cost can be adjusted by the architect’s know-how.  However, structural strength and insulation function for dweller environment will never be compromised for the sake of budget.  On the other hand, the interior’s material can contribute to lower cost with the consideration to the family structure that changes with time.

SUSPENDED FURNITURE, WIDE OPENING
MAXIMUM USAGE OF LIMITED SPACE

Wide space is ideal for family area on the ground floor.  In order to maximize the space, furniture has no legs, and the family dining table hangs from the ceiling.  Balance of open area is important.  “Even though we answered to the request to avoid being seen from outside, we made the window as big as possible to allow path for the wind.  How to place windows is very important for a building”, says Yamashita.


NO WORRIES FOR BEING SEEN FROM OUTSIDE
LIGHT FILLED PRIVACY ON THE UNDERGROUND FLOOR

Because having a parking space in the limited lot was the first priority for OH, we positioned house entrance on the underground besides the stairs from the parking.  Upon entering the house, there is flight of stairs for the family area and 2 bedrooms with bathroom at the far side.  By using web-like steel for the parking space, underground bedroom gained natural light with privacy, and the far side bathroom also have plenty of natural light hidden by the upper floor porch.

MULTI-SIDED CEILING CAUSES VISUAL ILLUSION

Yamashita state “Upon entering a space, human eyes unconsciously measure distance from perpendicular line”, and made OH resident ceiling multi-sided.  It made  the family living area structure with loft (1 bedroom) where “unconscious measure” becomes difficult.  This multi-sided interior volume surprises people by “feeling bigger inside than the outside”.  Yamashita, globally known for his construction, structure and method, says “building with beautiful frame (structure) is beautiful finished.  Sometime, even I am surprised with the end result.”
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