architecture-lab: utsunomiya-U

'utsonomiya-U' by architecture-lab in utsunomiya, tochigi, japan
all images courtesy architecture-lab
image © katsumi hirabayashi


japanese practice architecture-lab has shared with us images of 'utsonomiya-U', a two-storey
private dwelling in tochigi, japan. putting at its centre a large double-height space, the design
explores a new method of interior organization by leaving the domestic programs open and
transparent to the rest of the house.



within context
image © katsumi hirabayashi


taking up a square-shaped footprint on the site, the overall form of the residence is simple
and unassuming with a pyramid hip roof form that references the surrounding buildings' profiles.
the exterior is wrapped in a metallic skin that lends the free-standing structure a modern aesthetic
within the residential neighbourhood. sitting on the centre of the plot, a parking space and
an outdoor garden is respectively accommodated to the east and west end.



doors leading to atelier
image © katsumi hirabayashi


pivoting around a central structural column, the interior of the house opens up to a large void space
that provides an atrium-like effect, establishing views between the first and second storey.
the ground floor hosts the communal programs - kitchen, dining, living - as well as a japanese-style
room and an atelier on the corners of the layout. the individual rooms on the level above is read as
a sequence of space which is divided by partitions made out of OSB. devoid of walls around the atrium,
the result of the interior is a highly open interpretation of a house that can be experienced like
a sectional model.



interior view
image © katsumi hirabayashi



from communal space
image © katsumi hirabayashi



from second level
image © katsumi hirabayashi



rooms furnished
image © katsumi hirabayashi



(left) japanese style room
(right) view from above
images © katsumi hirabayashi



children's room
image © katsumi hirabayashi



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1




section


project info:

site area: 209.31 m2
built area: 67.08 m2
total floor area: 117.89 m2
construction: wooden

design team: architecture-lab / shigekazu takayasu