hideki iwahori: tube house 2

'double tube 2' by iwahori hideki architectural design office
all images courtesy hideki iwahori architectural design office
image © hiroshi ueda


japanese practice hideki iwahori architectural design office has sent us images of 'double tube 2',
a weekend house for a married couple who lives in the heart of tokyo. conceived as a 'machine
for environmental exchange', the design is an assembly of partitions that create linear and
parallel spaces that open up to the site, much like a series of tubes.



street view
image © hiroshi ueda


located near a coast of japan with views of the sea, the low-lying dwelling is a simple
rectangular volume that is pragmatic in its footprint: a single sheltered parking space is
generated on one side and a generous overhang lines the long elevation to create two
outdoor terraces to the north and south. while the short facades of the house are solid,
the design renders itself transparent through a system of floor-to-ceiling windows on
the long sides. the natural elements of the site are projected into the interior, fully integrating
its qualities into the atmosphere of the living space. the inhabitants have full control of
privacy through collapsible vertical shutters that can close off the windows.



south elevation - open
image © hiroshi ueda



south elevation - closed
image © hiroshi ueda


gently defining the interior programs through operable partitions and storage units,
the living space maintains a level of openness that is both efficient and clear. a ceiling
arrangement of synthetic wooden beams gains a dominant presence in the space,
with roof lights between gaps illuminating the space below. featuring a thermal storage layer
in the foundation, the microclimate is passively preserved by the sun, enabling the inhabitants
to freely live in open air without compromising on room temperature.



interior view
image © hiroshi ueda



living area
image © hiroshi ueda



view of tatami room - open
image © hiroshi ueda



view of tatami room - closed
image © hiroshi ueda



sunlight through openings between roof beams
image © hiroshi ueda



view of kitchen
image © hiroshi ueda



view of bedroom
image © hiroshi ueda



washroom
image © hiroshi ueda



image © hiroshi ueda



at night
image © hiroshi ueda



site map



floor plan



longitudinal section



cross section



axonometric



partitioned spaces - 'tubes'



assemblage