MDS constructs one-storey okazaki house with shed roof

MDS constructs one-storey okazaki house with shed roof
photo by forward stroke inc.
all images courtesy of MDS

in japan, the number of two-family homes is increasing, with many building dwellings on the site of their parent’s property. in response to their client’s desire to realize the latter, MDS has constructed ‘okazaki house’, a one-storey structure with a pitched shed roof that is positioned onto the side of the owner’s mother and father’s house.

floor levels of the rooms are based on the ground height of the building
photo by forward stroke inc.

the plan sees the site sloped from north to south, as well as to the west side, downwards towards where the parent’s home stands, thus offering open views of the sky from ‘okazaki house’s’ elevated location. the interior is defined by two canted (angled walls) that are placed within the open space offering two distinct living areas, with the floor levels of the rooms determined based-on the ground height of the building. the main bedroom is located at the highest part of the site, the north-east side; across from a central courtyard, sloping downwards towards the south from the living room which flows into the dining and kitchen area. this organization enables people to maintain the same level of eyesight across the interior, while also providing up a sense of distance.

the home is defined by a shed roof that is a ceder framework left exposed
photos by forward stroke inc.

the roof is a cedar framework made from standard 120 x 120mm lumber pieces. the construction is executed by laying the beams within the maximum standard length of 6m, which is then criss-crossed at the upper section of the canted walls that divide the internal areas, creating an impressive ceiling surface both inside and out.

the interior is defined by two angled walls
photo by forward stroke inc.

interior views which show the sloped shed roof
photos by forward stroke inc.

living / entertainment area
photo by forward stroke inc.

photos by forward stroke inc.

photo by forward stroke inc.

‘okazaki house’
photo by forward stroke inc.

roof plan

first floor plan

section

project info:

architecture: kiyotoshi mori & natsuko kawamura / MDS
location: okazaki-city, aichi, japan
completed: 2012
principal use: residential
structure: timber
site area: 213.74 sqm
total floor area: 98.17 sqm

material information
exterior finish: yakisugi / cedar forms exposed concrete
roof: galvanized color steel sheet standing-seam roofing
floor: oak flooring
wall: plaster
ceiling: oregon pine of 120x120mm
photography: forward stroke inc.