villa SSK in chiba by takeshi hirobe architects

‘villa SSK’ by takeshi hirobe architects, chiba, japan
image © koichi torimura
all images courtesy of takeshi hirobe architects

in chiba, japan, the ‘villa SSK’ by tokyo-based takeshi hirobe architects overlooks the water of tokyo bay and a vegetated mountainscape.
the residence’s living spaces are oriented towards the ocean presence. a lofted bedroom and bathroom are oriented towards the stunning view.
instead of a garage, a room framed with timber trusses and windows contains the owner’s vehicle. beyond the car room, inhabitants walk down
an outdoor path and courtyard bordered by the guest bedroom. friends and family can gather within the space or water can flow onto the tiled pavers
to create a reflective surface adjacent to the walkway.

wooden panels and beams create the segmented curvature of the wall and roof planes while glass facades cap the north and south elevations oriented
towards the ocean and mountain views. inside the living areas, the angles of the space frame elements produce intermittent gaps between the enclosure
and structure for subtle variety. accessed with stairs within the main volume of the dwelling, a lofted bedroom and bath overlook the water. a smaller rectilinear
volume with lumber planks screens the toilet and shower for privacy.

backyard
image © koichi torimura

backyard
image © koichi torimura

front elevation
image © koichi torimura

garage
image © koichi torimura

ground level bedroom
image © koichi torimura

courtyard with reflecting pool connects garage to ground level living spaces
images © koichi torimura

living room
images © koichi torimura

kitchen, dining + living room
image © koichi torimura

loft bedroom
image © koichi torimura

ocean view from bedroom
image © koichi torimura

screened bathroom
images © koichi torimura

lumber screens toilet and shower for privacy
images © koichi torimura

ocean view from tub
image © koichi torimura

front elevation at night
image © koichi torimura

guest bedroom overlooks reflecting pool
image © koichi torimura

kitchen + dining room
image © koichi torimura

living room
images © koichi torimura

courtyard at night
images © koichi torimura

floor plan / level 0

isometric

project info:

architect: takeshi hirobe
photography: koichi torimura
project name: villa SSK
location: chiba, japan
date of completion: 05/2012
principal use: weekend residence
structure: wooden structure
site area: 854.28m2
total floor area: 105.05 m2
design period: 07/2009 – 12/2010
construction period: 01/2011 – 05/2012
structural engineer: akira ouchi /s form
external wall: galvanized steel sheet
internal wall: exposed beam, japan cedar t=12mm w=200mm lining
ceiling: exposed beam, japan cedar t=12mm w=200mm lining
floor: tile, walnut flooring
furniture: japanese ash fancy plywood wax finish