movedesign: house in nanakuma features layered staircase

movedesign: house in nanakuma features layered staircase
image © yousuke harigane
all images courtesy of movedeisgn

the layered floor levels of ‘house in nanakuma’ by japanese architects movedesign, are connected by a large bookshelf that runs the full-height of the main staircase. located in fukuoka, japan, it is home to three generations and the different levels allow for both individual private spaces – while still giving a sense of openness. the stairs feature as the main artillery route within the house. light streams in from a skylight into the spaces below and also helps to circulate air throughout the house. controlled view shafts of the surrounding green trees and the sky above have been strategically punctured from the walls. the changing scenes of the outside world, as one traverses up and down the staircase, offer a calm and peaceful experience for the building’s occupants. the windows are not only an aesthetic feature, they also help with the thermal dynamics of the interior – saving energy and increasing cross ventilation through the spaces. ‘house in nanakuma’ is a place for the different generations to carry out individual lifestyles, while still having a sense of connection to one another.

random windows on the back of the house and concrete stair box at the entrance
image © yousuke harigane

staircase with full height bookshelf and layered floor levels
image © yousuke harigane

looking up towards the skylight in the middle of the staircase
image © yousuke harigane

basement (reinforced concrete)
image © yousuke harigane

kitchen and dining next to the staircase
image © yousuke harigane

kitchen and dining
image © yousuke harigane

dining room as seen from the entrance and view of the house at night
image © yousuke harigane

basement plan

first floor plan

second floor plan

section

project info:

architects: movedesign (designer: mikio sakamoto)
photographs: yousuke harigane (techni staff)
function: private house
location: nanakuma, fukuoka, japan
structure: reinforced concrete + wood frame
site area: 126.68㎡
architectural area: 54.64㎡
total floor area: 142.68㎡
year: 2013

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