rhythmdesign: house in hikarimachi II

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


japanese architecture practice rhythmdesign (kenichiro ide) has completed 'house in hikarimachi II',
a two-storey family residence in kasuga, japan. bound by an exceptionally narrow site measuring
5m by 13m, the design stacks its programs vertically without compromising on natural daylight
intake as well as an open circulation.



street view
image © koichi torimura


flanked on both long sides by neighbouring structures, the rectangular volume utilizes spaces from
the front and back for a covered garage park and an outdoor balcony. the ground level features
a reinforced concrete base that holds up the rest of the house which is clad in scorched timber panels.
while exceeding the heights of the adjacent buildings, the street face is unassuming with a set of
square-shaped windows marking its surface.



front elevation
image © koichi torimura


in contrast to its dark exterior expression, the interior is finished in white and light wood to maximize
on the natural daylighting effect. the ceiling is left raw and unfinished, exposing a rhythmic pattern
of horizontally-running wooden beams. placed mid-depth in the layout is a minimalistic steel staircase
that provides the main circulation throughout the house. the second level accommodates the communal
program in an open and linear fashion while the bedrooms are placed at either ends of the third storey.
a system of retractable wall partitions on tracks provides privacy for the inhabitants when needed. 



interior view
image © koichi torimura



central staircase
image © koichi torimura



upper level
image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



images © koichi torimura



balcony at night
image © koichi torimura



street view at night
image © koichi torimura


project info:

site area: 77.86 m2
building area: 45.75 m2
gross internal floor area: 119.38 m2
structure: reinforced concrete (level 0), wooden structure (level +1 and +2)

project architect: kenichiro ide
lighting consultant: USHIO SPAX FUKUOKA
structural engineers: noguchi toyotaka
main contractor: koshin corporation