3645 Minami-hara

Living area open to the west.

Project details

• Project Name: 3645 Minami-hara
• Location of Site: Karuizawa, Japan
• Design Team: George Dasic; Yushi Kobayashi; Yuki Miyoshi Nikitaki; Toru Usui + Arup Japan
• Project Type: Weekend House
• Client: Kasumigaseki Toshikaihatsu LLC
• Contractor/s: Sasazawa Kensetsu
• Site Area: 1950 m2
• Built-up Area: 200 m2
• Date of completion: July 2008

Living area with the deck open to the west.

Words from the architect

Since this is a spec development, the requirements were for a well designed space flexible enough to accommodate potential tenants of different sizes and life style.

The intention was to design a "sculptural object" which will stands as a counter balance against the backdrop of natural green forest and blue sky. The overall space is designed as a fully fluid environment allowing for a sense of openness, lightness and easy movement. What started as the response to the local planning authorities' guidance developed in to the roof configurations which allows for every room whole day natural light intake as well as natural cooling and air exchange.

Barrier free access road leads to the Entrance Deck.

From the very beginning we decided to designed house, which will have only one level, creating a space, which will not have any built-in barriers. As such, from the moment one leaves the car on the car parking down bellow the house, up to any room in the house, there is not a single stair along the way.

South west deck brings living and master bedroom area together.

Building sits on the concrete base that elevates it from the ground to combat Karuizawa humidity with steel structural frame. Both interior and exterior are clad in Shina-gohan panels. In order to shield it from the weather exterior panels are sealed with FRP layer coat. It creates impregnable protection from the extreme cold in winter and rain and humidity in summer. Interior is protected by double glazing.

Roof configuration allows for natural air exchange and natural light intake.

House is designed with a clear response to the surrounding environment and orientation. Living, dining and kitchen face forest on west. Main deck and the master bedroom look south while the bedrooms and bathrooms are orientated east to take full advantage of the crisp morning sun. All the infrastructure and storage space face north and are without any windows protecting both from the neighboring buildings as well as from the cold north Karuizawa wind.

Cantilevered kitchen keeps the space floating.

Sculptural bath.

Credits

• Text: George Dasic Architects
• Photographs: Arrow Resort