jun igarashi architects: shounan house

‘shounan house’ by jun igarashi architects in kanagawa, japan all images courtesy jun igarashi architects image © iwan baan

japanese practice jun igarashi architects has sent us images of ‘shounan house’, a private house for a two generation family near tokyo, japan. in an old neighbourhood with aged structures throughout, the house establishes a bold presence on the site with its asymmetrical form and angular silhouette.

exterior view image © iwan baan

delineating a deep slope that could be clearly read from the street, the house features an over-exaggerated roof form that hangs over the main entrance. carved out in a long strip, the design accommodates three parking spaces to the clients’ request. the pitched form contains within a double-height atrium space that keeps the majority of the main level open vertically. the second level extends out to the communal space in the form of elevated walkways that overlook the living and dining room below. a third, lofted platform provides a more private area that mimics the effect of an attic.

in context image © iwan baan

the house is tied together by a physical motif in the form of structural cross braces. a system of small square-faced windows placed near the ground encourages natural cross ventilation which is further facilitated by the cool corridor on the north and the warm area on the south. a carved out portion in the roofline generates an outdoor terrace that is suitable for drying laundry.

street view image © iwan baan

street facade image © iwan baan

interior view image © iwan baan

upper level image © iwan baan

image © iwan baan

image © iwan baan

staircase images © iwan baan

biew of dining space image © iwan baan

kitchen image © iwan baan

roof terrace image © iwan baan

general perspective image © iwan baan

image © iwan baan

site map

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +0.5

floor plan / level +1

longitudinal section

cross section

project info:

site: 202.71 m2 total floor: 171.78 m2 ground floor: 96.426 m2 second floor: 65.36 m2 structure: wooden