katsutoshi sasaki slides ma house into three meter wide plot

katsutoshi sasaki slides ma house into three meter wide plot
all images courtesy of katsutoshi sasaki + associates

‘ma house’ occupies an incredibly narrow plot of land in a densely populated residential region of okazaki, japan. reinterpreting traditional notions of scale and program, the dwelling, created by katsutoshi sasaki + associates, utilizes the full length of its 21 meter site to establish a functional and effective family home.

the entrance to the property

internally, all volumes are a maximum of 3 meters in width, with the height of each space dependent on its function and the number of occupants it may have at any one time. additionally, rooms designed for single occupancy feature limited natural light, whereas communal areas of the house are brighter and more generously proportioned.

view through the kitchen, looking towards the internal garden at the rear of the house

dispersed living quarters result in unrestricted flexible volumes, which can accommodate more than one program. this efficient use of the minimal floor space is evidenced through the scheme’s corridor, which also functions as a study area. in addition to a internal garden at ground floor level, a roof terrace provides private an external sundeck and a connection with the natural environment.

the internal garden is a flexible and adaptable area of the design

the corridor can also function as a study area

the scheme’s generously proportioned living quarters

a window fills the living area with natural light as well as providing ventilation

stairs lead to an external terrace at roof level

the 21 x 3 meter plot of land before the construction of the house

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project info:

location: okazaki aichi, japan

site area: 71.19 sqm
 (966 sqf)
built area: 42.64 sqm
 (459 sqf)
total floor area: 69.49 sqm (748 sqf)
design time: may 2012 – january 2013

completed: august 2013

design team: katsutoshi sasaki + associates
structure company: tatsumi terado structural studio

construction company: inoue construction ltd.

photography: katsutoshi sasaki + associates