rhythmdesign: house in hikarimachi

'house in hikarimachi' by rhythmdesign in kasuga, fukuoka prefecture, japan
all images courtesy rhythmdesign
image © koichi torimura


'house in hikarimachi' by japanese architecture practice rhythmdesign (kenichiro ide) is a multi-storey
private dwelling for a single family in a residential neighbourhood of kasuga, japan. inviting the outdoor
elements indoors, the rectangular volume features a large corner void that serves as an atrium-like
balcony that spans the height of two levels.



view of balcony
image © koichi torimura


situated within a dense part of the neighbourhood, the design reserves the ground level for car parking
and private programs while the upper levels accommodate the communal spaces. the large excised
volume from the corner is easily read from the exterior, particularly during the night when the artificial
light from within provides a lantern-effect. long curtains on tracks allow the inhabitants to control
the level of sunlight as well as maximize privacy when needed. 



exterior and interior views of staircase
images © koichi torimura


placed directly next to the balcony, the living space can be easily extended to the outdoors and gains
abundant natural light through the double-height glazed surface. the third storey, conceived in
a loft-like fashion, overlooks the living area below and achieves a heightened view of the neighbourhood
through an elevated strip of window that wraps around the opposing corner. in order to maintain
an unobstructed layout, the main staircase is housed next to the balcony in a lightwell-like void space.
the circulatory activity is made transparent by the glass finish.



interior view
image © koichi torimura



view of the balcony from the living room
image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



(left) from kitchen
(right) entry
images © koichi torimura



staircase
image © koichi torimura



third storey
image © koichi torimura



view down to the living space
image © koichi torimura



from balcony
image © koichi torimura



at night
image © koichi torimura


project info:

principal use: single family house
structure: steel
site area: 125.70 m2
building area: 65.62 m2
gross internal floor area: 166.11 m2

project architect: kenichiro ide
design team: kenichiro ide, fukutomi
lighting consultant: USHIO SPAX FUKUOKA
structural engineers: noguchi toyotaka
electrical facilities planning: taiko setsubi sekkei corporation
machine facilities planning: ishikawa setsubi corporation
main contractor: iguchi construction company