rhythmdesign: house in hikarimachi II

‘house in hikarimachi II’ by rhythmdesign in kasuga, fukuoka pref., japan all images courtesy rhythmdesign image © koichi torimura

japanese architecture practice rhythmdesign (kenichiro ide) has completed ‘house in hikarimachi II’, a two-storey family residence in kasuga, japan. bound by an exceptionally narrow site measuring 5m by 13m, the design stacks its programs vertically without compromising on natural daylight intake as well as an open circulation.

street view image © koichi torimura

flanked on both long sides by neighboring structures, the rectangular volume utilizes spaces from the front and back for a covered garage park and an outdoor balcony. the ground level features a reinforced concrete base that holds up the rest of the house which is clad in scorched timber panels. while exceeding the heights of the adjacent buildings, the street face is unassuming with a set of square-shaped windows marking its surface.

front elevation image © koichi torimura

in contrast to its dark exterior expression, the interior is finished in white and light wood to maximize on the natural daylighting effect. the ceiling is left raw and unfinished, exposing a rhythmic pattern of horizontally-running wooden beams. placed mid-depth in the layout is a minimalistic steel staircase that provides the main circulation throughout the house. the second level accommodates the communal program in an open and linear fashion while the bedrooms are placed at either ends of the third storey. a system of retractable wall partitions on tracks provides privacy for the inhabitants when needed. 

interior view image © koichi torimura

central staircase image © koichi torimura

upper level image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

images © koichi torimura

balcony at night image © koichi torimura

street view at night image © koichi torimura

project info:

site area: 77.86 m2 building area: 45.75 m2 gross internal floor area: 119.38 m2 structure: reinforced concrete (level 0), wooden structure (level +1 and +2)project architect: kenichiro ide lighting consultant: USHIO SPAX FUKUOKA structural engineers: noguchi toyotaka main contractor: koshin corporation