I'm home

The grid area full of green spreads across the west side of Ikegami Honmonji. It's been flourished as a cathedral town from long ago and the F residence stands in the corner of this traditional town full of local colors. It is a two household home and the owner requested an open, community-like space in the driveway. Architect Yuki Horiuchi proposed a plan consisting of two buildings where one is 3-layered and the other one is 2-layered and they are connected on the 2nd floor while still respecting each other's privacy. A spacious courtyard between the two buildings and two separate entrance doors maintain a good distance between the households and created an open driveway. The left side of the driveway is the parents' building with white exterior walls. As you enter the entrance, you first face the closet with sliding screens and it gives Japanese traditional atmosphere. On the contrary, the couple's building has red cedar exterior walls painted in grey. The 1st floor has a spacious, navy blue sash of 3.4m×2.7m entrance and it is a refreshing, open space with good ventilation. When you go up the stairs which gives you a feeling of floating, you'll see children's rooms and a master bedroom on the 2nd floor and is connected to the parents' living/dining room. The kitchen and the living/dining room, which would be the core of the residence, are put together in one room situated on the east side of the 3rd floor. The couple requested "a kitchen that could be used freely by visiting friends" and they themselves often work together in the kitchen. Therefore, the kitchen is installed against the wall and a big island counter of W1.6m x D1.6m x H0.86m, was designed. The opening on the west side extends fully to the ceiling and the vaulted ceiling in the center of the residence takes in a lot of sunlight. The bathroom, the terrace and the work room are situated around this vaulted ceiling. Each family member has their own space but at the same time, they can feel each other's presence. An open and warm residence was created.



Architect : STUDIO CY

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