container design completes playful house in sukumo, japan

this dwelling designed by japanese architect takanobu kishimoto of container design offers the family a bright and open home in sukumo city, japan. named ‘house in sukumo’ it was developed in close collaboration with its clients who were seeking a space that would combine an office space for the wife who works at home. at the same time, a humble material palette was used and reflective glass to guarantee privacy.

the first floor is symmetrically planned as an open and light-filled space where two voids spanning both the levels open up this living area and enabled larger windows to be installed. within these interior courtyards, a netting has been suspended and can be accessed from the second floor. in turn, they serve as a playful and relaxing element for all the family members. ‘I placed two rooms that are the same size on the both sides of the courtyard on each floor. I didn’t set up a specific usage of these rooms so they could respond diversely even if the use will be changed in the future.’ explains the architect.

located in an area where typhoons is a regular occurrence. the architects slanted the outer wall of the south side of the second floor to influence to exit through the south-facing window. this roof protrudes up to 1.8 meters from the first floor, works as a roof over the open space of the first floor and forms a place to take shelter from the rain reminiscent of an ‘engawa’ which is traditional to japanese houses.

the second floor is a private space for the client’s family, and the use of cedar as the main material was chosen to bring warmth. ‘I hope that the four spaces and the courtyard enrich their daily life, and they live peacefully. also, we believe this house can be a place to explore various possibilities for the family in the future.’ concludes takanobu kishimoto

a net has been installed on the ceiling of the coutyard

the home simultaneously serves as the home office of the wife

walls lined with blackboard allows the children to doodle

cedar boards inject warmth into the more family-orientated private areas on the second floor

house in sukumo

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