HOUSE IGUSA

The site for this project is a family house in a peaceful residential area where a rural landscape still remains.
Since a part of the site was used as a private street, and the buildable area is limited because of quite severe restrictions, the challenge is to use the space most effectively.
To get maximum storage space, we chose a “skip floor” style, inserting storage space between the dwelling spaces, such as between the second floor toilet and the guest room, between the studio floor and above the ceiling of the kitchen, and the cantilevered space which works as the eaves.
Because there is a limit on floor area ratio, the volume of habitation space has been restricted quite severely, so we planned a roof balcony on the second floor and reduced the floor area. The roof balcony creates distance between each space – the studio, the master bedroom, and the kids room – so that privacy is gently protected but communication between families is maintained. This balcony also functions as a light court for each room.
The staircase has several openings, and it is designed for wind passing through as a chimney so that warm air goes up to the penthouse and goes out from each opening. It functions as a natural ventilation system. To help with ventilation and light penetration, the stair is an open stair.
We achieved an attractive and rational residence where in a family can recognize each other, but, at the same time, are not too close. And, a certain rhythm was created by producing a level difference between floors to use the limited space effectively.