The site of Tranquil House is located along a highway with a large volume of traffic in Japan. A field expands around the site that is adjacent to the concrete factory run by the client, and a traditional Japanese house where the parents reside. Because the environment gives a somewhat mixed-up impression, a house was sought that would produce visual expansion while blocking intruding eyes from surroundings. Thus, FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects planned a house that aligns its axis with the north side, where one can obtain the widest view while laying out the spaces that have their own extensity from the entrance through the backmost terrace. The recess of the symmetric façade composed of the volumes is made into the entrance. The thick and heavy wall positioned at the center adds more sense of depth.
When entering the hall, the space created by the tall volumes welcomes guests with a watery light from the top light. The space is divided by seamless glass sidewalls, which give a perspective effect to the visibility of the space beyond. The two rough-textured walls have been provided to give special direction and weighty impression, as well as to make the space in between as a passage to the living room. In the passage, a door has been positioned that can be flexibly opened/closed to develop diverse space experiences.
The living and dining spaces that are connected with each other are encompassed within a large volume embraced by the space. An attempt has been made to segment the space by differentiating ceiling height and floor level. At the same time, the light from a carefully-planned opening has produced changing shadow and texture and created a deep space.
At the end of the area continued from the entrance, the architects wanted to realize an open space that incorporates scenes or lights. Therefore, they laid out a room that can be used as an extension of a living room and provided a terrace that surrounds the room.
The tiles that are used indoors are also used for the terrace to produce an expanding feeling while enhancing continuity between inside and outside. Through the glass wall on the north side, one can enjoy the view clipped out by the horizontal line of the wall, making the house’s impression far richer. The sequence of spaces, which are unrolled along the axis, generates a comfortable tranquility that gives an exquisite aesthetics to daily life.
Design and info © FORM/Kouichi Kimura Architects
Images © Norihito Yamauchi and Yoshihiro Asada
