rhythmdesign: weekend house in takeo

‘weekend house in takeo’ by rhythmdesign in takeo, saga, japan all images courtesy rhythmdesign photo by koichi torimura

‘weekend house in takeo’ by fukuoka-based architecture practice rhythmdesign (kenichiro ide) is a one-storey , single family residence in the saga prefecture of japan. elevated on a series of stilts, the design answers to the client’s wishes for unobstructed views of the city and the mountain beyond.

situated on a slight hill adjacent to a road, the L-shaped volume is read to be floating above a concrete base from the street. the design utilizes 29 columns measuring just 76.3mm to lift the house to a height of 1.4 meters. this chasm maintains views of the neighborhood from the street while maximizing the level of privacy for the inhabitants. wrapped in a skin of vertically-running charred wood, the exterior promotes a sense of solidness which dramatically contrasts with its elevated nature.

fly-by view

street view

in order to focus the views of the house towards the mountains. the house does not feature any openings on its north side which runs next to the street and other adjacent buildings. the entrance – a minimalistic set of metal stairs – is also tucked away around the house to further promote a sense of security for the family.

view from garden

view of the facade

stilts under the house

view of the neighborhood beyond

(left) concrete base (right) entrance

night view

during construction

project info:

structure: steel site area: 310.00 m2 building area: 145.02 m2 gross internal floor area: 139.86 m2project architect: kenichiro ide design team: kenichiro ide, chie fukutomi lighting consultant: ushio spax fukuoka structural engineers: kuroiwa structural engineers main contractor: kitamatsu corporation