elongated house KJ lies on narrow flagpole lot between residences in japan

1-1 Architects establishes harmony amid property boundaries

House KJ by 1-1 Architects integrates with the Japanese countryside, situated on a deformed flagpole lot surrounded by long, narrow roads. The challenge lies in establishing a harmonious connection amid varied property boundaries and buildings, creating a tenuous relationship with the surroundings. The design focuses on redefining this relationship by strategically placing a 1.8m wide elongated volume to penetrate the flag and pole sections of the site. This configuration forms a strong axis within the deformed space, allowing all areas to have close-distance exterior wall surfaces on both east and west sides. Openings leading to the outside and gathering spaces subtly adjust the connection with the neighboring land.

layout forms a strong axis within the deformed plot

Residents navigate along the north-south axis in their daily activities, encountering dynamic views of the neighboring land that change with distance and elevation. The sectional plan scatters spaces in a skipped-floor arrangement within the long, narrow one-room layout, creating a three-dimensional relationship with the surroundings while maintaining a balanced distance. Residents experience soft-lit corners with retaining walls nearby or open areas with distant fences, highlighting the diverse features of the land readjustment and neighboring boundaries. The design by 1-1 Architects aims to embrace these distinctive elements, making them integral to the residents’ daily lives.

1/4

project info:

name: House KJ
architect: 1-1 Architects | @ichinoichi.inc

lead architect: Yuki Kamiya

structure: Komatsu Structural Design

construction: KAWASHTA Construction Co., Ltd.

location: Ehime, Japan