jun igarashi architects: shounan house

‘shounan house’ by jun igarashi architects in kanagawa, japan all images courtesy jun igarashi architects image © iwan baan

japanese practice jun igarashi architects has sent us images of ‘shounan house’, a private house for a two generation family near tokyo, japan. in an old neighbourhood with aged structures

throughout, the house establishes a bold presence on the site with its asymmetrical form and angular silhouette.

delineating a deep slope that could be clearly read from the street, the house features an over-exaggerated roof form that hangs over the main entrance. carved out in a long strip, the

design accommodates three parking spaces to the clients’ request. the pitched form contains within a double-height atrium space that keeps the majority of the main level open vertically. the

second level extends out to the communal space in the form of elevated walkways that overlook the living and dining room below. a third, lofted platform provides a more private area that

mimics the effect of an attic.

the house is tied together by a physical motif in the form of structural cross braces. a system of small square-faced windows placed near the ground encourages natural cross ventilation

which is further facilitated by the cool corridor on the north and the warm area on the south. a carved out portion in the roofline generates an outdoor terrace that is suitable for drying

laundry.

site: 202.71 m2 total floor: 171.78 m2 ground floor: 96.426 m2 second floor: 65.36 m2 structure: wooden