S-House is a compact residence located in a residential neighborhood near Omiya Station in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Built on a site smaller than 100 square meters, the architect divided the house into two distinct sections, arranged in a staggered layout. From the façade, each level of the two parts connects to the adjacent level in an offset manner, creating a complex and dynamic spatial system.
The staggered floor slabs extend outward, forming a distinctive interlaced pattern on the eaves. This intricate structural logic is applied not only to the building’s elevations but also throughout its interior. Within the house, the different floors are connected in a staggered fashion, with the central space between the two opposing sections serving as a circulation zone.
Although there may be intersecting sightlines from the center and sides of the space, movement between the two parts requires navigating a rather complex path. Despite their proximity, traveling from one section to the other involves a lengthy journey.
The building blurs traditional perceptions of spatial depth and distance, similar to how internet communication reshapes our understanding of the world. It embodies a network-like space — a “complex hierarchical network” — where multiple levels interconnect and layer, creating increasingly intricate spatial relationships.
This intricate and layered spatial design aims to represent a new architectural form, capturing the complexity and diversity of activities in today’s information age.
Night Views of the Building
Project Plans and Drawings
▲ Basement Floor Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ 1.5 Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ 2.5 Floor Plan
▲ Roof Plan
▲ South Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ East Elevation View
▲ West Elevation View
▲ Section Drawing A-A’
▲ Western Section A-A’
▲ Section Drawing B-B’
▲ Western Section D-D’
▲ Detailed Plan of Main Door
▲ Detailed Section of Main Door
▲ Detailed Floor Plan of Bathroom Door
▲ Detailed Section of Bathroom Door 1
▲ Detailed Section of Bathroom Door 2
▲ Wall Detail Section 1
▲ Wall Detail Section 2
▲ Wall Detail Section 3
▲ Wall Detail Section 4
▲ Detailed Plan of Roof Windows
▲ Detailed Section of Roof Window
▲ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Architectural Design Firm: Yuusuke Karasawa Architects
Location: Chichibu, Japan
Category: Detached Residential Building
Lead Architect: Youfu Bingze
Building Area: 104.0 square meters
Year Completed: 2013
Photographer: Kanichi Torimura
Structural Engineers: Alan Burden, Hiroaki Inukai
Construction Company: O’hara Architectural and Construction, Ltd / Akira Ohara, Satoshi Kikuchi
Site Area: 89 square meters
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