takashi yamaguchi & associates: parametric fragment

‘parametric fragment’ by takashi yamaguchi & associates, matsusaka, japan all images © takashi yamaguchi & associates

japanese practice takashi yamaguchi & associates have completed ‘parametric fragment’, a single family residence in a rural area near the ise bay in matsusaka, mie, japan. surrounded with stretches of green rice fields, the aluminum panel exterior of this residence reflects the changing lighting conditions as the land changes from the water bathed planting season to the golden hues of the autumnal harvesting season. enclosed with a double skin, the south and west facades contain wide gaps and without window openings, allowing the summer’s radiant heat to rise through the structure and exit near the roof. a fragmented pattern of louvers near the top of the perimeter wall arranges shorter and longer lengths of panels as determined by the internal room placements, flue window, ventilation and air conditioning outlets.

view from the rice field

subject to large amounts of rainfall and frequent flooding events, the dwelling’s foundation has been raised upon a mound, planted with green grass to blend with the encompassing countryside. two varied volume sizes are placed askew, creating a horizontal and vertical void to mark the opposing entrances and introduce natural daylight down through the interior. the steel doors to the gravel terraces may be opened allowing the wind and frame views of the landscape to permeate the dwelling’s dining area.

soft light enters from a linear slit along the roofline producing an expressive atmosphere of changing light during the passage of time. the western wall displays segmented streams of light, amplifying the sense of fluidity and abstractness with the diverse fragments.

surrounded by rice fields

main entrance

entry facade

aluminum panel facade releases hot air through system of louvers near the roofline

‘parametric fragment’ by takashi yamaguchi & associates, matsusaka, mie, japan

(left) gravel path leading inside (right) view to rice field from courtyard

louver detail

(left) corridor (right) entry corridor below stairs

corridor leading towards living room

light enters through the void between the two building volumes

fragmented light

living room

living area

dining area

kitchen

bedroom

gravel entry

from street

aluminum panels within landscape

illuminated from the interior at night

at dusk

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

section

section

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elevation

elevation

elevation

axonometric

wall section 1. exterior wall – aluminum panel 2. louver – aluminum bar 3. stringer – aluminum angle 4. clear glass 5. ceiling – puttied cheesecloth on plasterboard 6. wall – puttied cheesecloth on plasterboard 7. flooring (family space) 8. flooring (childre’s room) 9. gravel

project info:

function: private house location: matsusaka, mie, japan / 2011
 structure: steel frame  
 site area: 667.84 m2
 architectural area: 189.15 m2
 total floor area: 293.19 m2 completed date: may, 2011
 principal architect: takashi yamaguchi (takashi yamaguchi & associates) associate: jun murata (takashi yamaguchi & associates)
 contractor: sanyo construction corporation
 photographer: takashi yamaguchi & associates