yuji tanabe develops wooden house for surfers based on the formation of swell waves

yuji tanabe has developed a surfer’s house based on the formation of swell waves, whose water particles draw smaller or larger circles as they move back and forth horizontally. titled surfer’s house by swell, the wooden structure is cut and planned in section with circles of different radii that reflect the waves’ different sizes, while its three towers allow the building to float above water.

all images by yuji tanabe

yuji tanabe has added the three towers to the wooden structure to cater for different purposes: the summer tower and the winter tower consider the direction of the offshore wind and the light from the sun; and the viewing tower allows surfers to check the conditions of the ocean and the swell. other facilities include a covered parking space for pickup trucks, a board maintenance space, bright dining & living room with a view of the sea, and a bedroom with a sound wave.

concept diagram of the circular shapes swell waves draw

concept plan with circles of different radii

section of the surfer’s house with the three towers  plan of level 1plan of level 2plan of level 3

project info:

name: surfer’s house by swell

architect: yuji tanabe

location: kamakura, kanagawa, japan

wooden structure system: shelter

total floor area: 180m2