‘hanare’ by schemata architecture office all photos by takumi ota

located near the seaside in chiba prefecture, japan, ‘hanare’ is an annex house designed by japanese practice schemata architecture office. used 2-3 times a week by its owner whose main base is in tokyo, it is situated on a mountain which the client bought for this occasional residence. the structure is built around a central rock formation which extends upwards, and is elevated off the ground, perched upon a metal support system of pilotis to accommodate this natural obstruction. because of its positioning, within the landscape ‘hanare’ appears as if it is a castle sitting upon a hill.

schemata architecture office: hanare house close up view of the mountainous site

during the construction process, the firm had a number of obstacles to deal with because of the complex locale such as having to install an electricity line, getting a drinking water supply to and from the house via a fountain, constructing a bridge over the irrigation canal, and the interior design and building work itself.

schemata architecture office: hanare house the residence sits upon a metal framework of pilotis

‘hanare’, though built using man-made energy, incorporates ecologically sustainable strategies to maintain and function the house. such features include a 2 meter long eaves for shading the interior space from the western sun, using low-E glass windows to control heat transfer into the home and wooden sash for insulation, as well the presence of a trombe wall which faces the sun to absorb natural energy to power the dwelling.

schemata architecture office: hanare house

schemata architecture office: hanare house the open air terrace situated below the residence

  schemata architecture office: hanare house entrance

schemata architecture office: hanare house kitchen and living area

schemata architecture office: hanare house floor to ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape

schemata architecture office: hanare house view into the kitchen with built in wire shelving

schemata architecture office: hanare house exposed storage spaces

schemata architecture office: hanare house a built-in table wraps around the main living area into the kitchen

schemata architecture office: hanare house alternative view

schemata architecture office: hanare house

schemata architecture office: hanare house the house is composed of a steel and wooden framework

schemata architecture office: hanare house bathrooms

schemata architecture office: hanare house main bathroom

schemata architecture office: hanare house

schemata architecture office: hanare house bedroom area

schemata architecture office: hanare house ‘hanare’ by night

schemata architecture office: hanare house plan

schemata architecture office: hanare house section

project info:

title: hanare house architects: schemata architecture office structural engineer: ejiri structual engineers contractor: takaaki mitsui location: chiba prefecture typology: residence constructed area: 933.9 m2 footprint: 181.96 m2 architectural area: 180.08m2 structure: steel, wood  construction year: 2011