fumiaso architect & associates: y house

'y house' by fumiaso architect & associates
all images courtesy fumiaso architect & associates
image © kenta hasegawa


japanese practice fumiaso architect & associates has sent us images of 'y house',
a renovation project to a 40 year old residence in kobe, japan. utilizing a series of
knee braces to give structure to the pre-existing framework, the design is a
cost-effective intervention that opens up the layout into a free-flowing living space.



street elevation
image © kenta hasegawa


situated on a long and narrow site with limited access to the street, the project seeks
alternative ways to gain natural daylight into its interior. the original gable roof is lifted
on one side to result in a single-sloped form that opens up to the back of the plot.
a loft space is generated through this gain in vertical height, providing a private room
with a small outdoor terrace. an open system of wood trusses combined with elements of
the old building maintain a sense of connection by providing a visual connection between
the loft and the level below.



street view
image © kenta hasegawa


in order to naturally illuminate the majority of the house, the layout is devoid of
partition walls between programs. the second storey, which accommodates the kitchen,
dining, and living room, is arranged in a linear fashion with a private room to the back
that can be separated by a system of sliding walls. the riser of the staircase utilizes
a translucent material to minimize light blockage.



interior view from dining space
image © kenta hasegawa



windows
image © kenta hasegawa



view towards kitchen and dining
image © kenta hasegawa



detail of knee braces
image © kenta hasegawa



view from loft
image © kenta hasegawa



ladder leading up to loft level
image © kenta hasegawa



loft
image © kenta hasegawa



back terrace on loft level
image © kenta hasegawa



(left) entrance
(right) staircase
images © kenta hasegawa



washroom
image © kenta hasegawa



original wood structure with the new framework
image © kenta hasegawa



street view at night
image © kenta hasegawa



raised roofform
image © kenta hasegawa



schematic diagram



site map



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



floor plan / level +2 



section


project info:

principal use: residence
site area: 33.37 m2
total floor area: 61.03 m2
structure: wood