akasaka shinichiro atelier: the topographic house

‘the topographic house’ by akasaka shinichiro atelier in sapporo, japan all images courtesy akasaka shinichiro atelier photographer: koji sakai

japanese architects akasaka shinichiro atelier have completed ‘the topographic house’, a small residential project on the outskirts of sapporo. located adjacent to a small waterway to the south, the house reflects the site’s topography by creating a series of artificial levels to organize and define the interior space.

exterior view

clad in a series of charcoal-black panels, the house directs the majority of its views out towards the water. vertical and horizontal strips of windows provide natural daylight into the white-washed interior, highlighting its angles and irregular volumetric forms. the living and dining area, located on the upper level, is cut into a system of stepped stages which create informal opportunities for seating and socializing. the offsetting of each storey allows for continuous sightlines from every vantage point of the house.

(left) living room and kitchen (right) stairs

staged nook

the placement of the central staircase generates separate spaces on its landings: a small area dedicated to the children floats mid-level between the entrance and living room while a more private study room sits under the stairs at the house’s lowest level. the void created by this spinal circulation is also taken advantage of, serving as a vertical lightwell for all areas of the house.

(left) view from landing (right) mid level

back facade

exterior at night

sections