SUWA House / 2013

Concept

 The site beside Lake Suwa can be imagined as it used to be, a place of scenic beauty, but it was shaped into a less attractive tetragon by a town re-demarcation project, and the view and comfort were taken away by a bank built to control the overflow from an adjacent river. In other words, through modernisation the site has become safer and more convenient, but in exchange it has lost its original enchanting view.

 The client did not seem to have a large budget although their request was quite simple: A small house that would accommodate 5 people and would be suitable for the cold environment.

  Given the conditions mentioned above and the fact that the site was humid and had soft ground, a simple wooden frame for the house was to be set directly on top of steel pipes.

 The residency, which is raised above the top of the bank, as well as reclaiming the original beautiful scenery, will preserve the environment of the existing ground and create a large underfloor space that wind can pass through.

  By adopting the economic construction method between the steel piles and the upper structure, costs can be saved. This method could also contribute to environmental conservation, as it can minimize the amount of building materials required.

 By pursuing the appropriate construction method, this raised residency, enclosed by a large roof, can give the family a rich life by allowing them experience the house’s surrounding environment and comings and goings of the other family members.