studio A transforms a retaining wall into G house

studio A transforms a retaining wall into ‘house of upland (G house)’all images courtesy of studio a / kei morozumi

yokohama-based firm studio A has designed ‘house of upland (G house)’ as a combined dwelling and laboratory for the firm’s principal, kei morozumi. nestled into the inclining groundplane, the construction maintains a respectful profile, hiding the studio space below ground. the lower level is accessed by a stair that leads to a small patio enclosed by the main retaining wall. from this vantage point the edifice appears to be formed by three intersecting volumes. this is perceptible from inside the open plan space, as various functions within the open plan are delineated by a change in floor level. the most dramatic figure in the home is the master bedroom and bath, the only parts of the upper living area that are completely separate. the private enclosure hangs above in a black bar, contrasting starkly against the neutral interior palette. this is architecture that seamlessly uses structural planes to articulate the rhythmic progression of built space.

the house takes advantage of the sloping site to create lofted interior spaces

the building serves both as studio and private residence

a continuous open living space is only separated at the master bedroom and bath, which hang above the living area, and are finished in a starkly contrasting tone

the program is organized by a series of stepped planes

stepping floor levels also delineate the change in exterior volumes

bathroom view

expansive views of the suburbia from the bedroom balcony