This project is a house for a couple. The planned area included vacant lots used as parking spaces and old warehouses, and it was impossible to envision what buildings might be erected in the future to obstruct lighting and views. The site is long from north to south with a road on the north side, and the key point of the plan was how to arrange the building and the garden. The unique feature of this project is that the owner's parents' house is located on the east side of the site, leaving a spacious garden.
Most of the rooms were planned on the ground floor, and the site was not large enough to accommodate a covered parking space. Therefore, in order to secure the view and lighting, we decided to borrow the view from the garden of the owner's parents' house. The project was planned to be adjacent to the parents' garden as much as possible. Then, large openings were created while taking into consideration the location of existing trees. This approach, reminiscent of the Japanese "shakkei" design principle, helps to enhance the feeling of openness and connection to nature, providing ample light and a serene view.
Since the couple spends a substantial portion of their day in this house, it was essential to consider a spatial layout that would allow them to relax and enjoy their time together. The workspace, kitchen, dining room, living room, and reading area are all interconnected within a single room, each having a varied ceiling height. This layout allows the residents to meaningfully spend their time while feeling each other's presence.
In conclusion, this project encapsulates a thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape, using innovative design solutions to cater to the owners' needs and lifestyle. It promises a home where the couple can enjoy their shared time in a serene and light-filled environment.
