This Japanese-style residence is nestled in the Tama area, located at the border between Kanagawa Prefecture and Tokyo. Positioned on the southern slope of a small hill surrounded by rolling terrain, the site enjoys a tranquil atmosphere. To the north lies a serene Buddhist cemetery that stretches across the mountain ridge, seamlessly blending with the quiet residential streets to the south.
Despite being in a densely populated neighborhood, this street corner benefits from abundant sunlight and expansive views.
The house features two levels: a ground floor and a partially sunken basement. The basement houses a bathroom, two bedrooms, and a garage. The bedrooms and bathroom are enclosed within a concrete box, while the garage remains fully open to the street. This concrete core sits centrally on the site, supporting the upper floor slab alongside the natural slope of the land.
On the ground floor, four independent cone-shaped concrete walls resemble massive stones resting on a platform. These walls convey a sense of solidity and mystery, while creating a continuous spatial flow that blurs the boundaries between the site and the street.
Entering the residence from the northeast corner, the highest point, feels like stepping onto a suspended platform, detached from the ground. These walls fragment the external views, turning the street scene into abstract geometric compositions.
A wooden flat roof extends from the north wall, creating both an indoor space and a terrace-like area. The living room and kitchen are set 40 centimeters below the platform level, with dark wooden flooring enhancing the sense of depth.
This sunken space resembles a ceremonial altar, providing a private setting for daily life. A staircase in the southwest corner leads down to the basement, where the bedroom is shielded from the street and connected only to the sky through a skylight, fostering a peaceful, cocoon-like atmosphere.
The living area opens up to a bright, abstract environment defined by two skylights and the imposing concrete walls. One skylight offers views down to the garage below, while the other connects to the most private spaces, inviting both sunlight and moonlight inside.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up