'n house' by studiogreenblue
all images courtesy studiogreenblue


using the energy of nature, the warmth of sunlight and winds as starting points, japanese studiogreenblue
have designed 'n house' located in saitama prefecture, japan.

the site is situation on an inland area in the kanto-plain, the hottest place in japan, with grounds surrounded by fields
of spring onion. in such a harsh, dry environment, the inhabitants of the house, wanted a place which was warm
and private.

for the design, the architects decided on a concrete structure, for its big calorific capacity.
the beams store heat, allow light to penetrate, bear horizontal power and reduce the cold draft by
using the concrete as a louver. the house has an opening, like a gate, to shut out sunlight and allow more
wind to pass through.

generally in japanese houses there is a 'central pillar' which supports the house, however in this circumstance
the environmental aspect became the most important problem. the concrete louver provide privacy and gives the house
its overall structure.



main living space and kitchen area



the concrete louver admit light and air into the house






kitchen area









sleeping area with built-in storage









interior of the house by night






view from the exterior looking into the interior



concrete louver by night



site plan



cross flow of air in the summer



cross flow of air in the winter



floor plan


project info:
scale structure: one-story private housing
site conditions: fukaya, saitama prefecture, elongated in the back premises, no views of the surrounding grounds.
concept: house with a concrete louver