cubo design architect: MLH house

‘MLH’ house by cubo design architect all images courtesy cubo design architect

japanese cubo design architect created the ‘MLH’ house for a young family. the client purchased the site for the house on a small hill which commands a great view of the kofu basin and magnificent mt. fuji beside it. the basin is famous for the beautiful night view overlooking the lights of kofu city from the chuo expressway.     although it is a large site, there is only a small angle with a good view. therefore the house was built to take advantage of the view.the side which commands the view mainly consists of windows where the living room, a bedroom and a bathroom have been arranged. the walls in those rooms are laid out and colored in order to create different nuances in shading when viewed from various angles.      the longest section of the house is set up from the rear of the site, where there is a private garden.

the mosaic like effects of the wood blocks on the ceiling of the living room and the deck do not disturb the night scenery. during the day the sunlight which strikes the uneven block ceiling creates interesting effects of light and shade.

the location with a great view involves confrontation with threat of nature and this site is exposed to a strong north wind from yatsugatake, japan’s famous volcanoes. because of these circumstances, the house has been built as a kes structure, which is wooden but also has strength. cellulose fibers are used in every wall as well as floors and low-e glass is fitted into the windows for more effective insulation. on the northern side of the house the number of windows has been minimized.

project info: MLH location: intended use: for housing exclusively residents: the client, his wife, their child design: cubo design architect persons in charge: hitoshi saruta, toshiya iwano structure: KES construction: ishiguro construction company main structure: two-story wood house foundation: flat slab site area: 279.34 m² building area: 71.24 m² the total floor space: 114.87 m² maximum height: 7.51m