House with eight light courtyards

「Concept」
Eight light courts, three skylights, and four high sidelights create a rich interior space.
The façade features a simple yet bold design, highlighting the architectural individuality.
Meticulous and delicate details control the purity of the air that flows through.
「Prologue」
We began by collaborating with the client on a land search. Rather than deciding on a site and then building, we instead searched for and purchased land suitable for the desired building. The purchased land had a frontage road on the northwest side of the site, approximately 6.5 meters wide, with relaxed road setback regulations. However, with an elementary school located on the northwest side and frequented by children, we were asked to design a rich living environment filled with light while maintaining privacy within the building. The client, who has a deep interest in design, desired a minimalist design with few lines and delicate details. Initially, they had requested a reinforced concrete structure. Due to budgetary constraints, we decided on a traditional wooden structure, but they requested a building with a refined appearance that minimized the so-called "wooden feel" as much as possible.
「Idea」
In terms of "Structure," the dynamic spatial composition of the two-story and three-story atriums, offset yet overlapping, was realized by using steel beams where necessary, based on traditional wooden construction. To achieve delicate details with minimal lines, the "light-guiding openings" feature all bent steel sash frames, eliminating sleeve and hanging walls to create a play of light and shadow within the interior. The "eight light courts" are scattered throughout the site to maximize its potential, while also providing the necessary light to adjacent interior spaces. The "wooden feel" was achieved by focusing on the thickness of the walls and employing "double walls" at key points. The openings in these "double walls" create a sense of depth within the frames, successfully eliminating the "wooden feel." The "three skylights" are designed in key locations necessary for functionality, ensuring privacy for each private room with minimal openings to the neighboring property.
「Architectural Overview」
Title: House with eight light courtyards
Location: Utsukusigaoka, Aoba Ward, Yokohama City Primary
Use: Detached House
Family Composition: Family of 4 (Couple + 2 Children)
Architect:「ha」hosaka hironobu architect associate
Structural Design: yAt Structural Design Office LLC
Construction: Building Systems Co., Ltd.
Structure: Traditional Wood (Partial Steel Frame)
Number of Floors: 2 above Ground
Site Area: 152.88m²
Building Area: 76.41m²
Total Floor Area: 114.44m²