HOUSE FOR A COUPLE WITH ONE CHILD

This compact house designed for a competition in Japan, proposes an architectural solution for a family of three individuals. A couple and their only child. The main purpose of the spatial arrangement is related to and reflects a position regarding the education of a single child.

The proposal is neat and modular, all the devices and equipment are embedded in the walls, and doors and windows are sliding to increase the natural flow of internal circulations.

At the bottom of the plot, next to a very small backyard with a bonsai garden, there is a glazing transverse gallery that is subdivided by sliding timber panels and blinds that control the solar radiation and light, giving the space a multifunctional and changeable aspect. The dwelling wants to be an expression of the current times while keeping elements of traditional Japanese culture.

The first decision was concerning the parents. After a simple access area which includes a single car park, the dweller enters the house through a small hallway. Facing the entry door, there is a big mirror which increases the spatial sensation. On the left is a cavity door that gives direct access to the master bedroom. This has a private external courtyard that provides natural light, ventilation and visual expansion. To the right, there is an open living area that connects to the glazing gallery and the garden. The most important space in the house is the child’s bedroom. This room is generous in size with an abundance of light. The idea is that the child can enjoy all the advances of the modern world without losing perspective of the natural world. There is a long bench that continues to the exterior for manual work and a tree in the garden, this reminds him and the rest of the family of the seasonal changes during the year. A large concrete wall provides a surface to paint and create artwork, and embedded screens appear from it for entertainment and study. A double bunk bed, which also incorporates a big wardrobe, provides the space for sleeping and is connected to the roof through a glass box and a mobile ladder. On top, the child encounters an extra space for playing and observation. There is a telescope, a small orchard and enough space to be creative and enjoy nature.

Both bathrooms are in the centre of the layout and are ventilated from above. This structural disposition allows more efficient use of the rest of the spaces in the perimeter of this small dwelling.

Material: Reinforced concrete, timber and glass. Area: 75 m²