House in Kyobate | Shintaro Fujiwara

A family living in a two-family home in the main house requested this project.

They wanted to demolish the detached building next to the main house and build a small house for the child's family to live in.
Since the corner plot was close to a busy road and railway line, they wanted to block noise and visibility from the outside, while letting light and air into the house.
Considering this situation, we have proposed a unique design solution. We suggest creating an enclosed volume in the center of the building, where the family spends most of their time. This volume will be surrounded by walls, with strategically placed gaps to allow light and air to enter, while also providing privacy and comfort.
On the first floor, the central volume contains the bedroom, children's rooms, and wet areas. The entrance hall and corridors are arranged between the central volume and the enclosure, and light is brought inside through the openings in the central volume. On the second floor, the LDK (living/dining/kitchen) space is placed in the center. The atrium above the first-floor corridors, corridors, and a workspace are arranged between the central volume and the enclosure, and light and breezes reflect off the walls to the center.
The LDK on the second floor has a high ceiling with split-level floors, creating a single space while also shifting sight lines to allow each family member to spend time comfortably together.
The windows, which do not directly face out, reflect the atmosphere and scenery of the outside into the interior, creating a home that maintains privacy and yet does not feel claustrophobic.