
first image
'house H' by hiroyuki shinozaki, matsudo, japan
image © neoplus610
japanese architect hiroyuki shinozaki's 'house H' in matsudo, chiba prefecture, takes the iconographic image of the house and reinvents the interior
sequence of spaces. the all-wood construction is organized by two clusters of 4 columns creating repetitive frames of two-dimensional Y-shaped column
trees that delineate three separate sections and heights connected by an interstitial platform. this shift is acknowledged on the ground level as well
as the exposed concrete floor is broken in the middle by a slightly elevated timber platform that contains the stairs and central kitchen. the upper level
keeps a constant connection to the lower storey, almost as nests perched upon tree branches living between and through the canopy of the forking pillars.
skylights present in each bedroom can be opened for light and ventilation, as the interior functions as one thermal space.

front entrance facing east
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main living space
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raised wood platform and integrated kitchen counter
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dining area
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kitchen
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second-storey program sits between the columns
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(left) view from the ground
(right) view form the upper storey
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stairs
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upper storey platforms create a sequence above the living space
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image © neoplus610

bedroom
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wooden loft in bedroom
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image © neoplus610

image © hiroyuki shinozaki architects

model
image © hiroyuki shinozaki architects
thank you
Are there any regulations around handrails, ballustrades etc in Japan?
what’s the deal with ridiculous balustrades that don’t stick to regulations…. is this a new trend?
I am intrigued to know how the centre of the ‘Y’ timber structure has the strength to do the job it has to do, as the junction of three pieces of wood meeting is inherently weak. Otherwise I do admire the geometric skills employed, although the kitchen area looks decidedly bare and under-provided for.