soeda + architects: house in utsunomiya

‘house in utsunomiya’ by soeda + architects images courtesy of soeda + architects

tokyo based practice soeda + architects has created ‘house in utsunomiya’, a single family home in utsunomiya, japan. situated on a north facing site surrounded by four other homes, the design aims to provide flexible and interconnected spaces that can accommodate a range of actions and interactions.

  exterior

organized around a central core, the home looks to generate a series of thoughtful relationships that integrate the structure with its surroundings. a traditional japanese dirt floor follows the footprint of the void, cutting through the main floor of the home to establish a connection with the owners parents who live across the street.

view of entrance from tatami room

three large windows mark each storey as the volume passes through the structure, introducing natural light and ventilation into the heart of the dwelling. transparent shoji screens loosely divide each program, acting as adaptable and flexible walls that when opened, allow all rooms to become one.

entrance

an open staircase, constructed from light steel rods and laminated timber, appears to float within the space, emphasizing the

visually uninterrupted atmosphere and porous boundaries between each of the rooms.

living room

entrance, kitchen and living room

corridor and tatami room

looking down to main floor

stairway with view to entrance

the stairway extends through an open void in the middle of the structure

approach to rooftop

(left) view outside (right) exterior

rear facade at night

floor plan (from left to right) level 0 / level 1/ roof top