An introvert design with balcony-like spaces mirrored inwards looking towards the main spaces of the house.

The residence is located in the east of Hokkaido. The architect, not fond of the site’s surroundings, a garage and an old iron factory, decided on an introvert design; balcony-like spaces are mirrored inwards looking towards the main spaces of the house: the living room, dining room and the kitchen. Their double height glorifies this view with the balcony forming gallery- like corridors to walk around and admire the main living spaces, giving an independent character to the residence as is does not depend on any of its surrounding views. These balconies accommodate the services i.e. the hallway, bedroom and bathroom along four levels and the closet and study along three levels forming buffer zones to the rest of the site. The occupants can sit high up and enjoy the dialogue created between the buffer zones and the main area as well as the light reflected on the ceiling which is then diffused when passing through a curtain. A flag pole- like pillar notionally divides the main area not disturbing the peaceful balance of all areas. It is after all according to the architect a ‘house of trough’.

ARCHITECT: Jun Igarashi Architects, Hokkaido, Japan, jun-igarashi.web.infoseek.co.jp. LOCATION: Shikaoi, Hokkaido, Japan. AREA: 98.44 sqm. STRUCTURAL DESIGN: Daisuke Hasegawa & Partners. CONSTRUCTION： YAMADA Industry CO., LTD. DATE: 2008. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Morfae and the copyright owner.