mega: house in ayukawa

‘house in ayukawa’ by mega, osaka, japanimage © kei suginoall images courtesy of mega

the two-storey courtyard typology multifamily residence by japanese firm mega is designed for two families although it can be easily adapted to a single-family use. the wood-frame construction is composed of a winding linear space creating a square footprint whereby all the spaces have a continuous window that allows views to a private exterior and brings natural light inside. the lower floor is designated to one family, with the top storey containing enough room for a couple and children. stairs integrated into the periphery of the structure create half floors that communicate with each other. the exterior by contrast is clad in plain metal sheets with a concrete base, giving the appearance of a simple closed-off cube that in a sense conceals itself from its neighbors while providing an open interior for its inhabitants.

kitchen and dining area with window open to the central courtyardimage © kei sugino

view of the rocky courtyardimage © kei sugino

cyclical circulation winds around the peripheryimage © kei sugino

integrated stairs into the interior spacesimage © kei sugino

image © kei sugino

half levels all look to the central area for natural lightimage © kei sugino

courtyardimage © kei sugino

image © kei sugino

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

elevation

project info:

architect: dai nagasakaproject team: méga (dai nagasaka, ikue tanaka*)structural design (cooperation): satoru shimoyamalocation: ibaraki-city,osaka, japansite area: 230.85 m2total floor: 123.58 m2 + terrace 57.16 m2building scale: 2 stories above groundcompletion: 2012