House with Gardens / Tetsuo Kondo Architects

Architects: Tetsuo Kondo Architects
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Structural Engineer: Konishi Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: ES Associates
Area: 136 sqm
Year: 2007
Photographs: Ken’ichi Suzuki

From the architect. This is a home built in Yokohama for a couple and their two kids.

The site is located on a hill in a quiet residential district. Neighboring houses are built up against the lot on both sides but a lush forest spreads to the back while a view down to Yokohama city can be enjoyed to the front. Although the area is quite developed one can still listen to the birds and enjoy the fresh air making this an attractive place to live.

The rooms are organized vertically and by mixing exterior spaces into the house, the surrounding can be felt at all times. Gardens are placed accessible from each room and openings are aimed in various directions so that the view of the sky and forest can be enjoyed even through other rooms.

These gardens, or intermediate spaces, not only connect the interior to the exterior spaces but are common spaces for the family. Although each room is independent, these non-specific areas allow the rooms to extend and mix with each other creating new spaces with each use. It also allows the family to circulate the small house in many different ways.

One could nap while listening to the birds in the forest, or open the windows wide without caring about the neighbors in the street. The children could spread out all their toys to play, or they could have tea surrounded by a flower garden while enjoying the views.

This home with a peculiar pitched roof blends into the building context and maintains various types of relationships with the exterior. They will create a pleasant lifestyle with the help of surrounding environment.