alphaville: house folded

'house folded' by alphaville in osaka, japan
all images courtesy alphaville
image © kai nakamura


kyoto-based architecture practice alphaville (kentaro takeguchi, asako yamamoto) has sent us
images of 'house folded', a three-storey residence for a couple in osaka, japan. exploring methods
of creating distinct and individual rooms that break away from a monotonous spatial experience,
the design pleats the dividing walls to form optimal and dynamic volumes of space.



exterior view
image © kai nakamura


standing on a slim site measuring 80 m2, the concrete structure translates its angular character
to its facade, featuring asymmetrical slices in its facade. both the east and west facade is defined
by a triangular slit that introduces light into the interior while providing an outdoor-space-like effect
through  a system of floor-to-ceiling glazing. a sheltered parking space for a single car is also
created by excising an irregular opening from the street.



(left) street view
image © kai nakamura
(right) garage
image © kentaro takeguchi


the delineation of space utilizes the decomposition techniques of a voronoi diagram,
equally dividing the shortest distance between points to create optimal spatial segments.
the process, which required the full use of a 3D model, started from a parallelogram with a
center wall that runs diagonally to define two spaces. this partition was then pivoted to run
parallel to the site as it continued to the third level. the roof was pulled up to form a slant and
a private outdoor terrace. structurally rational and dynamic, the result is a collection of flowing
living spaces that seemingly shift and change from every vantage point.



view of garage and entrance
image © kai nakamura



view of stairs from garage level
(left) image © kai nakamura
(right) image © kentaro takeguchi



view of living room on second level
image © kai nakamura



stiars leading up to third level
image © kai nakamura



view from living room
image © kentaro takeguchi



(left) hallway
image © kentaro takeguchi
(right) access to terrace from bedroom
image © kai nakamura



roof top terrace
image © kai nakamura



within context
image © kai nakamura



night view
image © kai nakamura



folded scheme



site map



floor plan / level +1.0 m



floor plan / level +4.7 m



floor plan / level +6.3m



cross-sectional perspective



longitudinal section



light distribution diagram


project info:

site area: 79.93 m2
total floor area: 102.03 m2
storeys: 3
structure: reinforced concrete

structural enginner: eisuke mitsuda / mitsuda structural consultants