KUS: serigaya house

'serigaya house' by KUS in yokohama city, kanagawa, japan
all images courtesy KUS
image © satoshi asakawa


tokyo-based architecture practice KUS (eijiro kosugi, aya utsumi) has completed 'serigaya house',
a private dwelling for a family of three in a quiet residential area of yokohama city, japan.
conceived specifically for the client who required a space to house an extensive collection of
records and CDs, the two-storey design incorporates built-in shelves into the structural frame to
create an archival library throughout the house.



street elevation
image © satoshi asakawa


situated on a sloped site, the free-standing structure features a modern gable roof that tops out
a boxy elevation. a series of large rectangular-faced windows marks the facade interspersedly
off-grid, lending the exterior a playful identity. the house has been stepped back from the plot line
to the south to accommodate a generous front garden which sits on an elevated platform from the road.



exterior view
image © satoshi asakawa



interior view of children's room
image © satoshi asakawa


creating a warm interior atmosphere through wood, the design utilizes a 'fin-frame' structure
using thin japanese cedar members. the system allows for a maximum span of 6.6m and are
arranged at 300mm on center. in addition to providing a structurally-sound framework,
the technique creates lattice shelvings that extend the length of the walls. the wooden components
stretch up on to the ceiling to establish a rhythmic treatment that expands the sense of space.
a series of interior windows that can be closed or unlatched allow the inhabitants to control
the level of privacy or openness between rooms.



interior windows closed
image © satoshi asakawa



interior windows opened
image © satoshi asakawa



overlooking the living space
image © satoshi asakawa



ceiling treatment over living space
image © satoshi asakawa



view of living room
image © satoshi asakawa



image © satoshi asakawa



view of kitchen
image © satoshi asakawa



bedroom
image © satoshi asakawa



shelving and storage
image © satoshi asakawa



tatami room
image © satoshi asakawa



window
image © satoshi asakawa



archive room in the basement
image © satoshi asakawa



entrance hall
image © satoshi asakawa



floor plan / level -1



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



cross section



longitudinal section



south elevation