'house with two focal points' by future-scape architects, nigata, japan
images © future-scape architects
situated along the western edge of nigata, japan is 'house with two focal points', a single family home by tokyo-based practice future-scape architects. acting as a compass of sorts, the design alludes to a much larger world, beyond the constrains of the site and the immediate surroundings.
exterior
positioned in a valley between mount yahiko and mount kakuda, the residence seeks to establish a subliminal and continuous connection with both of the mountains, which are mostly obstructed by neighboring structures.
street view
conceived as a slightly skewed volume, the dwelling features two exterior walls that have been rotated towards the center of each landmark. the subtle but distinctive form is translated inside where it informs the organization and hierarchy of programs. the kitchen, dining and living room is hosted on the second floor, which opens radially towards the encircling environment. fully extendible windows line the front of the structure, further integrating the home and the inhabitants with the outdoors.
ground floor
three expandable bedrooms are housed on the ground floor opposite a narrow corridor lined with concealed storage.
full-length mirrors flank each end of the hallway, visually distorting and expanding the small space.
view of three bedrooms with expandable walls
ground floor corridor with built in storage
stairs to second floor
second floor
kitchen, living room and dining room
the walls facing each mountain feature extendible windows
view towards bathroom
night view
floor plan / level 0
floor plan / level 1
section
project info:
structural engineers: oga structural design office
mechanical engineers: mai mechanical design
site area: 201.32m2
building area: 72.04m2
floor area: 120.83m2
'cottage in tsumari' by future-scape architects, tokamachi, nigata, japan
images © japan architects
located within a beech wood park in tokamachi, nigata, japan is 'cottage in tsumari', a small vacation home that is available for rent by locals and tourists. designed by tokyo-based practice future-scape architects, the low-cost unit seeks to provide solitude in a region that receives the heaviest snowfall in all of japan.
exterior
derived from the characteristic forms of vernacular architecture, the structure aims to subtly inject itself into the mature context of the area, and the natural environs. conceived as two combined volumes, the dwelling features an internal composition that is disconnected - physically and programmatically - from the exterior shell.
living room with view into bathroom
the essential functions of cottage are contained within a tetras-like arrangement, which is bound by the perimeters of the outer walls. the meandering cubic form irregularly divides the volume, generating a series of negative voids and private, unexpected spaces. organized to highlight prominent surrounding views, the contrasting units offer differentiating experiences and connections to the outdoors.
living room from entrance
slatted wood walls, which look almost temporary in appearance, stand out against the dark black shell, drastically altering the perception of space. thin gaps between each piece of light wood allow natural light to move throughout the dwelling, while simultaneously capturing small glimpses of the exterior environment.
view into kitchen
kitchen
kitchen with stairs to sleeping area
sleeping area
in context
floor plan / level 0
floor plan / level 1
longitudinal section
section
elevation
elevation
diagram of volumes and program
prototypes
rendering
project info:
structural engineer: shoichi nagumo (takumi design office)
mechanical engineer: masaya uchida (takuetsu corporation)
cooperation: hiroyuki kato
total site area: 240.20 m2
building area: 52.33 m2
total floor area: 67.48 m2
via designboom
