This design is a 4 person family home located in a new suburban neighborhood development in Japan.
Only the North side of the house faces the road, while the room configuration was planned to focus the remaining three sides on light, wind and scenery.
The 330 square meter plot is located 1 meter above the road level. The North side of the house features a garden and parking area for three cars. The living room
and other spaces are arranged to surround the garden.
From the road, there are 5 steps leading into the entrance of the home. As with many traditional Japanese families, this family needed to have the home designed around
a lifestyle on the floor. Seating and relaxing time are done on the floor and not in chairs, therefore, the living and dining spaces were joined and are slightly raised above the
hallway level, for separation.
This family plans to spend all seasons relaxing around the low table, which is the center of the living and dining areas.
One split level above the hallway will be used as a family study space. This space is physically close to the living room, separated by a small
staircase, but it gives a moderate sense of distance.
Below the study space and based on the ground level is the home theater room. From the living room, it's a few steps down into this space.
Light from the ceiling skylight enters the interior of the living space and also passes through a shaft into the home theater room.
From the main living area, forming a boundary between the garden and the home interior, a large Japanese-style veranda with a covered roof and a swing provides a
third living and enjoyment space for the the family.
This veranda was designed to not only physically, but visually connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The children's room and bedroom are located on the south side of the house. Through a large, North-facing window, reflected light from the garden enters these areas.
This large window was designed at the height of a chair, so that when seated near the window, the garden feels close.
The inspiration for the garden was the image of a thicket or grove, with the layout of the rooms being decided by the relationship with the garden.
Soft light, refreshing breeze and views of the peaceful garden were planned in the hopes of enriching the lives of the family living here.
Photo:stirling elmendorf