ushijima architects designs japanese house to ‘float like a boat as its surroundings change’

U-House In Irie by Ushijima Architects

Ushijima Architects has developed ‘U-House In Irie’ as a two story-residence able to withstand future changes that may occur on its surrounding landscape. The project is located on the site of a former lake in Maibara City, Japan, which was transformed into land to serve as a rice field, and more recently as a residential area. With a history of flooding and the uncertain ways global warming might affect the area in the future, the Japanese architecture studio built a structure that ‘will continue to float like a boat while its surroundings change.’

all images by Shinya Tsujita

A JAPANESE HOUSE DESIGNED WITH FLOODS AND REEDS IN MIND

Ushijima Architects took into account two main elements during the design of the project: the floods, and the reeds that grow on the surrounding land. The house is built on two levels, with the ground floor consisting of a piloti and an open, bright space where residents can grow their plants. The upper level contains all main areas of the home, including the living-dining-kitchen area, as well as the bedroom and bathroom.

The entire upper level is raised on diagonal and vertical wooden stilts, which protect it from future flood damage. In contrast to the openness of the ground floor, this level is more closed off, creating a warmer atmosphere for its inhabitants. The Japanese architects have combined two main materials in the project, cedar and cypress, which have been locally sourced. The materiality of the home’s ground level allows it to blend into the landscape, while the upper level, clad in a charred wood (shou sugi ban) exterior, will stand out even if the site’s reeds continue to grow around it.

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project info:

name: U-House In Irie

architect: Ushijima Architects

location: Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan

site area: 202.34 sqm
construction area: 59.62 sqm
total floor area: 124.83 sqm