architecture lab: sodegaura M

‘sodegaura M’ by architecture-lab in sodegaura, chiba prefecture, japan all images courtesy architecture-lab

japanese atelier architecture-lab has shared with us images of ‘sodegaura M’, a single-storey house in the countryside of sodegaura, chiba prefecture, japan. elevated 1.9 m off the ground by a series of structural stilts, the design explores the idea of solids vs. voids by creating multi-storey openings within the residence.

street view

situated on a corner plot that looks out onto a field, the dwelling is simple in form, taking on a rectangular volume with a linear profile. the lower portion of the house, comprised of a broken up collection of reinforced concrete panels, feature wide open holes of varying width facing onto the street level. translucent corrugated plexi provides sliding screens for when the inhabitants want to close off the area.

sliding panels

resulting in pockets of void space, the upper layout takes on the shape of a cross. additional privacy is gained by having the domestic programs lifted off the ground. multiple sight lines are also established from all levels of the residence through interior windows that look out from one area to another.

interior view

view of hall from upper level

interior terrace by the kitchen

windows, ceiling and skylight

ground level

at night

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

east-west section

north-south section

project info:

total floor area: 177.1 m2 structure: wooden structural design office: kazunari yoshida