山裾の家

House at the foot of Mountain

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The house is located in a suburban residential area of Sapporo, which spreads across the foothills of Mt. Teine. The site faces a T-junction, allowing the residents of the house to get a unique view of the cityscape. Taking advantage of the gently inclined terrain, we sought to design a residence that provides a clear view of the mountain and creates a sense of environmental comfort in the harsh climate of Hokkaido.
A road-like volume penetrates the center of the site and accommodates a parking space on the north side and a backyard on the south side, leading to a rotationally symmetric plan. By placing a doma (earthen floor) and terrace doors at the center of the house, the interior and exterior space is smoothly connected. This decision also helps to minimize the amount of openings in the house, optimizing it for the frigid climate. In order to provide pleasant views, an optimal amount of light, and a sense of openness, features such as roof height and window placement were considered and modified. Together with the slight incline of the floor and the overall volumetric organization, these qualities articulate a narrative sequence that incorporates both the distant scenery and the surrounding environment. The expansive sectional composition resembles a set of small volumes that are joined together.
Houses in Sapporo often have flat roofs that carry snow throughout the winter and lack fencing to avoid obstruction during snow clearing. Consequently, residential areas tend to become a row of rather lifeless box-like buildings. By dividing these flat roofs into sections and varying their height, light starts to intricately maneuver around these houses, creating a cityscape filled with a sense of movement and depth.
The interior-exterior connection and the varied roof height were derived from the surrounding terrain and Mt. Teine. The characteristics of the area’s terrain, described by the traditional name given by the Ainu people, precede the urbanization efforts by far. Applying the traditional technology and knowledge of cold climate architecture and reevaluating the relationship between architecture and environment has set the foothills of Mt. Teine as a place of exploration for Hokkaido’s vernacular architecture. By understanding and initiating a dialogue with the environment, architecture starts to become one with the Earth, simultaneously becoming a distinct entity that confronts the face of nature.

山裾の家

House at the foot of Mountain

The house is located in a suburban residential area of Sapporo, which spreads across the foothills of Mt. Teine. The site faces a T-junction, allowing the residents of the house to get a unique view of the cityscape. Taking advantage of the gently inclined terrain, we sought to design a residence that provides a clear view of the mountain and creates a sense of environmental comfort in the harsh climate of Hokkaido.
A road-like volume penetrates the center of the site and accommodates a parking space on the north side and a backyard on the south side, leading to a rotationally symmetric plan. By placing a doma (earthen floor) and terrace doors at the center of the house, the interior and exterior space is smoothly connected. This decision also helps to minimize the amount of openings in the house, optimizing it for the frigid climate. In order to provide pleasant views, an optimal amount of light, and a sense of openness, features such as roof height and window placement were considered and modified. Together with the slight incline of the floor and the overall volumetric organization, these qualities articulate a narrative sequence that incorporates both the distant scenery and the surrounding environment. The expansive sectional composition resembles a set of small volumes that are joined together.
Houses in Sapporo often have flat roofs that carry snow throughout the winter and lack fencing to avoid obstruction during snow clearing. Consequently, residential areas tend to become a row of rather lifeless box-like buildings. By dividing these flat roofs into sections and varying their height, light starts to intricately maneuver around these houses, creating a cityscape filled with a sense of movement and depth.
The interior-exterior connection and the varied roof height were derived from the surrounding terrain and Mt. Teine. The characteristics of the area’s terrain, described by the traditional name given by the Ainu people, precede the urbanization efforts by far. Applying the traditional technology and knowledge of cold climate architecture and reevaluating the relationship between architecture and environment has set the foothills of Mt. Teine as a place of exploration for Hokkaido’s vernacular architecture. By understanding and initiating a dialogue with the environment, architecture starts to become one with the Earth, simultaneously becoming a distinct entity that confronts the face of nature.
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