cell space architects: fold house

‘fold house’ by cell space architects all images courtesy cell space architects

‘fold house’ by japanese firm cell space architects is situated in nagareyama, chiba, japan. the small residence for a young couple and two dogs is composed of three main elements: layering, wrapping, and shifting. different architectural materials were used according to the function of the layers.

first, thin sheets of metal were layered, rolled and were then bent into angles. because the sheets lack stability on their own, they were squashed sideways and linked to one another. they were then shifted along the north south axis, so that sunlight is intercepted during summer and flows inside during winter.

huge eaves and a terrace were arranged on the southern side. the large space accommodates gatherings, while the diagonal smaller spaces house the entrance and water utilities. there are two staircases, one outside and one inside. the family does not use chairs, the leaning walls act as backrests.

external view of the eastside

the south side seen from the bedroom

the north side seen from the bedroom

the entrance

the kitchen

the living area

the terrace area

looking up to the terrace

staircase leading up to the terrace

in the early evening

view of the bedroom at night

the house at night

project data: fold house architects: mutsue hayakusa   cell space architects structural engineering: ryozo umezawa structural engineers construction manager:hanami construction location : nagareyama ,chiba,japan type :  residence structure: timber frame, steel frame 2 stories height: 7560mm total floor area: 93.65sqm design period: january 2003 – august 2003 construction period: september 2003 – march 2004 photographer’s name: satoshi asakawa