‘house in abiko’ by fuse-atelier in abiko, chiba prefecture, japan all images courtesy fuse-atelier
tokyo-based fuse-atelier (shigeru fuse) has completed ‘house in abiko’, a three-storey private dwelling in abiko, chiba prefecture, japan. conceived for a couple who collects furniture as a hobby, the design revolves around an open and brought living room that is flexible for multiple configurations.
the façade oriented to face the street
situated on a tight site flanked by neighbouring structures, the monolithic form is constructed from reinforced concrete and features a multitude of faceted corners. two volumes protrude out of the street facade to create an overhang above the entrance and the car park. the larger cantilevered arm is fronted with a single plane of glass which permits sunlight to enter the interior.
back of the plot
accommodated on the second storey, the main living space sits elevated over the street with a double-height void above it. the language of the faceted exterior is continued to the interior, manifesting as a dynamic multi-angled ceiling form. this heightened focal point extends the sense of space vertically, resulting in a room that is exceptionally open and airy, despite the heaviness of the material used. a punched-out sky light and another square-faced window to the back of the plot coupled with the reflective white floor maximizes the amount of natural daylight entering the house.
(left) cantilevered arm (right) street view
interior view
views of the ceiling
looking down on the living space
kitchen and mezzanine level
views of cantilevered staircases
night views
project info:
structure: reinforced concrete storeys: three above grade site area: 181.44 sqm built area: 53.50 sqm total floor area: 53.50 sqm
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more commentsSculpturally it is interesting but practicality it is not. You walk into a narrow space up a treacherous stairway which is not kid or elderly friendly. I would go insane living in this barren interior. Why would anyone invest in creating such a dwelling that is odd, uninviting, cold and frightening to live in?
As the description states, the couple collects furniture as a ‘a hobby’. Looks like the house is part of that hobby and not a structure for living. As stated many times, the stairs are homicidal and many of the spaces are not conducive, so far, to human life. I agree, I’d like to see it with their ‘hobby’ furnishings!