yuusuke karasawa completes the layered S-house in saitama, japan
image © koichi torimura
located near the omiya station in saitama, the ‘S-house’ by japanese practice yuusuke karasawa architects represents the simultaneous diversity and order that is ever present in our cyber lives. a central datum of vertical circulation splits opposing 50 m2 platforms that intertwine in the center. what seems like a simple stacking of planes reveals itself to be a rather complex network of diagonal surfaces terminating into one another resulting in an intricate path of circulation from the basement level to the rooftop deck. offset voids in the floor plates bring yet another layer of complexity to the home allowing access to additional functions.
image © koichi torimura
each floor above ground is clad in glass panes to strengthen the structural concept of the home and allows for plenty of natural light and views. private functions are thus located below grade in fully enclosed volumes that serve as the ground-level floor at the entrance.
side view
image © koichi torimura
center datum marked by the intersection of diagonal planes and stairs
image © koichi torimura
interior space
image © koichi torimura
offset platforms create a dynamic relationship between levels and half-levels
image © koichi torimura
vertical circulation
image © koichi torimura
an intricate path of stairs lead from floor to floor
image © koichi torimura
kitchen space
image © koichi torimura
image © koichi torimura
rooftop deck
image © koichi torimura
image © koichi torimura
image © koichi torimura
image © koichi torimura
image © koichi torimura
the ‘S-house’ by night
image © koichi torimura
front view of the house by night
image © koichi torimura
project info:
location: oomiya,saitama,japan
stories: 2 floors
architects: yuusuke karasawa architects—-yuusuke karasawa,principal-in-charge
consultants: structured environment—alan burden,hiroaki inukai,structural
general contractor: o’hara architectural and construction,ltd—akira ohara,satoshi kikuch
structural system: steel frame
materials used: steel plate, fluoropolymer painted,ceramic tiles,exterior;plaster board,emulsion painted,oak flooring,hemp carpet,interior
site area: 89.46m2
built area: 51.88m2
total floor area: 103.76m2
coverage ratio: 57.99%
gross floor ratio: 115.98%
design: 2010-2011
construction: 2012-2013
photographer: koichi torimura
