This site, located within walking distance of Oyamadai Station, is met by a projected ten-story apartment building on the west side and a projected single family home on the north side of the site, making this already restricting flag-shaped site even more challenging. On top of this, the north face code is extremely harsh, giving doubt to the actual height this project can reach.
Even with these strict conditions, the client desired a house which can still receive plenty of light and fresh air, as well as creating a home which can be a place of gathering for his family. This client, who takes pride in his role as host, understands the fact that most likely he will become surrounded on all sides by neighboring buildings, but we saw an opportunity for investigation in the long approach to the house, which can be continued into the residence.
The approach into the residence is lined with plants which are raised every step along the rout. This continues into the home and from there the residents are met with an inner garden. The second floor living, dining, and kitchen space is surrounded by plant life, including the void of the inner garden, on both the East and West side. The kitchen space is sunk 40cm, and the counter space given a large 1.2meter by 3.55meter space. The slight level change allows that counter to be at working height for the kitchen and a dining table height for those in the living space. This move gives the area a home for the central gathering space. Due to the harsh north side setbacks and slanting setbacks, the individual spaces are given small unique adjustments which come together in the end to create one whole residence.
