warehouse by shinichi ogawa and associates features a linear layout

located in a suburb of hiroshima, japan, ‘warehouse’ by local architecture firm shinichi ogawa and associates is a single volume residence with an enclosed courtyard. distilled to its simplest form, the domestic programs of the house are arranged in a linear orientation in a ‘one room space’.

image by toshiyuki yano (also main image) / all images courtesy of shinichi ogawa and associates

to create loose boundaries and order to the open concept, the design incorporates subtle level changes in section: the ‘wet’ programs such as the kitchen and bathroom are stepped down from the living area, while the washitsu (japanese-style room) and office are placed half a level lower to the entry way.

image by toshiyuki yano

another key element to the formalization of space is the series of functional furniture arranged like a barcode throughout the length of the space. these free-standing wall units with built-in functions–closets, toilet, kitchen appliances–provide privacy for the bedroom while enclosing the study and japanese-style room. a mezzanine area is also created above, becoming an open play space for the kids.

image by toshiyuki yano

the expansive courtyard on the south side of the house is enclosed by a frosted glass fence. the interior is capable of opening up completely to the outside by a series of sliding doors.

image by toshiyuki yano

image by toshiyuki yano

image by toshiyuki yano

image by toshiyuki yano

image by toshiyuki yano

site plan

ground floor plan

upper level floor plan

longitudinal section

cross section

south elevation

west elevation

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