mamiya shinichi design studio interprets /slash as house

mamiya shinichi design studio interprets /slash as house
photo by makoto matsubara

‘/slash’ by mamiya shinichi design studio maintains the privacy of a family living along a busy street in seki-shi, gifu, japan, while meeting the client’s requirement of a light-filled interior space. the public façade is slanted away from the road with a thickened wall, extending out horizontally towards its entrance. this exterior skin features geometric cut-outs with the apertures set back to prevent direct views from passers-by. the openings are varied at each level, creating a dynamic composition within the neighborhood. 

the facade appears as an abstracted landscape slanting dynamically away from the street
photo by makoto matsubara

inside spaces typically have regular geometric forms. however, unique volumes are created at intersections of the main façade, such as a window seat at the top floor. the rest of the dwelling is composed of an open plan living and dining room and lofted upper levels. the vertical connection allows for light and air to flow freely, and for the family maintain visual connections. ‘/slash’ house also includes a traditional tatami mat tea room that overlooks the back yard.

inside, the house is filled with light
photo by makoto matsubara

kitchen
photo by makoto matsubara

a traditional tatami area is located off the western-style dining room
photo by makoto matsubara

the stair fills the triangular shaped space left by the inclined exterior
photo by makoto matsubara

looking up to the lofted area from the livingroom
photo by makoto matsubara

vaulted windows let light into the first level
photo by makoto matsubara

careful thought was put into the design to allow light to penetrate through the house’s three levels
photo by makoto matsubara

view of the neighborhood from the middle level
photo by makoto matsubara

the void becomes a spacious window seat at the top floor
photo by makoto matsubara

aerial view of the living room
photo by makoto matsubara

each level steps back for maximum illumination
photo by makoto matsubara

(left):main entrance
(right): illuminated at night
photo by makoto matsubara

section shows partii of the slash shell maximizing privacy
image © mamiya shinichi design studio