suppose design office: house in takaya

‘house in takaya’ by suppose design office, hiroshima, japan
all images courtesy suppose design office

japanese practice suppose design office has recently completed ‘house in takaya’, an introverted single family residence
in hiroshima, japan. an entry yard comprised of a layer of sandy earth directs inhabitants towards the primary portal
formed with two large sliding glass doors. contained within a discreet rectangular box clad with monochromatic siding,
visitors discover the textured ground plane continues and transitions to the interior of the home, dissolving the distinction
between the external and internal environments. found in traditional japanese homes, this contemporary update to the doma
floor incorporates stepping stones to circulate between and around the spaces, minimizing the movement of the soil particles.

living area with textured ground floor

bordered with transparent sliding panels, the living room is elevated upon a platform and can become an enclosed cube
illuminated with a small clerestory window to the exterior. across the corridor of square tiles, a recessed kitchen bound
with a low profile and angled retaining wall of concrete prevents the loose granules from passing between the areas.
open riser stairways lead to the lofted bedroom and upper level bathroom. a finished plywood surfaces the walls of the
double story volume complimenting the color palate of the natural flooring.

primary portal to the dwelling

stepping stones through the earthen floor dictates movement through the space

recessed kitchen

view of living room platform from kitchen

inhabitants within the islanded rooms

view of kitchen from living room platform

exterior from the street