Built on a pentagonal-shaped plot in a bustling neighbourhood of Tokyo, the Murakoshi House, designed by S Design Farm is an unconventional three-storey residence. Surrounded by roads on three sides in a flood-prone area due to a nearby stream, the site possessed several challenges.
In response to the client’s privacy concerns, the structure is enclosed in metal panels supported by a concrete foundation, with limited openings on one of the exterior walls. A large window in an exterior atrium that leads to a courtyard on the first floor provides light and ventilation to the interiors while maintaining privacy.
The distinct trapezoidal shape of the living-dining area, with a clear sightline leading to the void of the exterior atrium, creates an impression of spaciousness and a sense of depth. In contrast to the cold exterior, warm wooden tones accentuate the interior spaces.
To counter the rigidity of the bare façade, most of the lower floor is carved out to allow abundant light and ventilation towards the inside while ensuring a steady flow of people and cars moving in and around the house. This cross-sectional and planar ‘void’ acts as a dynamic space that can serve as a car park and landscaped pedestrian space when required.
To optimize the peculiar shape of the site, the architects devise a pentagonal plan atop a high foundation with an internal courtyard on one side while entrance, storage and restroom along the other edge, minimising the structure’s footprint and in the case of floods, allowing the water to pass through.
Therefore, the design creates a toned-down and secluded atmosphere, revealing little of the home's inner workings while providing users with a place of refuge, away from the humdrum of the surrounding streets.
