kochi architect's studio: 47% house

‘47% house’  by kochi architect’s studio in kamakura, kanagawa, japan all images courtesy kochi architect’s studio image © daichi ano

‘47% house’ by tokyo-based practice kochi architect’s studio (kazuyasu kochi) is a two-storey private dwelling in kamakura, japan. providing a number of generously-sized outdoor programs, the interior floor area equals 47% of the total building footprint to result in a holistic layout that incorporates exterior spaces into its design.

street view image © daichi ano

starting from a simple box form, the necessary programs were arranged then carved out to incorporate a small garden, outdoor terrace, and an elevated entrance hall that opens up to the outdoors. an outdoor staircase provides access to the house, which accommodates its communal space – living, dining, kitchen – on the second level. the roof was pulled up to an asymmetrically-pitched form, lending the house a playful exterior profile.

view of elevated entrance image © daichi ano

from the outside, the house is read to consist of a dark shell that partially wraps around a white volume. the structure extends out to provide shade to the entrance hall and generous outdoor terrace. as a result, the line between the interior and exterior is blurred. floor-to-ceiling glazing which lines both sides of the second storey adds to this effect, engaging the living space in direct dialogue with the site.

entrance staircase and outdoor terrace image © daichi ano

interior view of ground floor entrance image © daichi ano

image © daichi ano

living and dining image © daichi ano

floor to ceiling windows image © daichi ano

night view image © daichi ano

site and floor plan / level +1

floor plan / level 0

roof plan

section

project info:

principal program: residence structure: wood storeys: two site area: 172.1 m2 total floor area: 97.7 m2