fujiwaramuro architects: house of slope

‘house of slope’ by fujiwaramuro architects in sakai, osaka, japan all images courtesy fujiwaramuro architects photographer: toshiyuki, yano

japanese practice fujiwaramuro architects (shintaro fujiwara, yoshio muro) has sent us images of ‘house of slope’, a three-storey private dwelling in a densely-packed residential neighbourhood of osaka, japan. situated on a flag-shaped site surrounded by neighbouring structures, the design seeks to create an internal living space that seeming ‘floats’ within a large, open space.

exterior view

consisting of a 25 meter-long ramp way that coils around the perimeter of the interior space, the house employs a continuous spatial circulation that allows the inhabitants to ‘drift’ throughout the levels. programs are defined and differentiated by stage-like platforms which rest in the center of the floor plan, staggered yet connected. devoid of any wall partitions, the ramps overlook the space beneath as well as establish multiple sight lines in between levels. untreated wooden columns punctuate the space while providing structural support for the circulatory slopes.

atrium view

carefully placed windows and skylights maintain a space that is airy and well-lit. a sunken-in roof top terrace acts as a generous light-well for the upper levels while a series of square-faced windows illuminate the open atrium space.

ground-level platforms

‘japanese-style’ room

rampway

looking down atrium

roof top terrace

schematic diagram

project info:

principle use: single family house site area: 103.91 m2 total floor area: 107.49 m2 structure: timber