HUG: stepped terrace house

‘terrace step house’ by HUG, sabae, fukui, japan image © satoshi asakawa

flanked by two strips of rice fields, the ‘terrace step house’ by tokyo-based practice HUG, is positioned within a residential neighborhood in sabae of fukui, japan. the surrounding environment has optimal lighting and wind conditions to produce a living space with a primarily outdoor atmosphere. a large open-air terrace comprised of long stairs connects the ground level rooms with the first floor’s bedrooms. positioned above the home’s parking, this configuration manages to eliminate views of the street while circulating inhabitants through the exterior spaces.

serving as an extension to the interior, the 50 square meter terrace seamlessly links the two levels while doubling as an open forum for activity. blurring the boundaries, the space’s function is vaguely defined to encourage a comfortable enjoyment of the open air.

north elevation image © satoshi asakawa

south elevation image © satoshi asakawa

view from the southwest image © satoshi asakawa

facade detail image © satoshi asakawa

detail of concrete steps image © satoshi asakawa

upon entry, the floor elevations begin to rise image © satoshi asakawa

the living room is positioned a few steps above the ground level corridor image © satoshi asakawa

living + dining room image © satoshi asakawa

the terrace becomes an extension to the interior living space with an enclosure of sliding glass doors image © satoshi asakawa

daylight pours into the living room over the terrace image © satoshi asakawa

terrace in the evening image © satoshi asakawa

the terrace is a dimensional open square image © satoshi asakawa

terrace and stairs illuminated at night image © satoshi asakawa

ceiling height of the living room is 4.5 meters image © satoshi asakawa

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

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