This residence is situated on a large developed plot in rural Japan. The site is bordered by a long, narrow, and winding road, and the land itself resembles a distorted flagpole shape. Due to the irregular angles formed by the property boundaries and surrounding buildings, the site maintains a subtle, ever-changing relationship with the adjacent land no matter where you stand.
The project aims to redefine this relationship through thoughtful design, carefully managing the distance between the building and the distorted plot boundaries to create a new interaction with the surroundings.
More specifically, a slender 1.8-meter-wide structure was strategically placed along the flag and flagpole sections of the irregular site. This arrangement creates an internal space with a strong linear axis, flanked by outer walls on both sides that are relatively close to each other.
By carefully adjusting its relationship with the neighboring land, the design incorporates openings that lead to the outdoors and slightly protruding areas from the main axis, serving as intimate gathering spots.
Daily life unfolds along the north-south axis, as residents move back and forth through the space. The neighboring land appears and disappears dynamically, influenced by changes in distance and elevation from the irregular boundaries.
The design’s intent is to foster a three-dimensional connection with the adjacent land by layering each space within the narrow, linear interior, all the while maintaining a respectful distance from the neighboring properties.
Residents can relax in small, softly lit areas adjacent to the retaining walls of nearby elevated plots. Alternatively, they can enjoy dining outdoors, surrounded in the distance by the walls of neighboring properties.
This design approach embraces the unique, dispersed characteristics of the land and its distorted boundaries, integrating them into the residents’ everyday experience and making these features a meaningful part of their lives.
Project Drawings
△ Base schematic diagram
△ First floor plan
△ Second floor plan
△ Section diagram
Project Information
Architect: 1-1 Architects
Area: 100 m²
Year: 2022
Lead Architect: Yuki Kamiya
Structural Consultant: Komatsu Structural Design
Construction: KAWASHTA Construction Co., Ltd.
Location: Japan
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