hayato komatsu architects: house in imabari

‘house in imabari’ by hayato komatsu architects in imabari, ehime, japan
all images courtesy hayato komatsu architects

hiroshima-based practice hayato komatsu architects has sent us images of ‘house in imabari’,
a two-storey dwelling for a family of four in ehime prefecture, japan. while the plot is not cramped by
japanese standards, the architects focused on providing pockets of ample outdoor space as well as
a sense of privacy for the inhabitants.

street elevation

cubic in form, the free-standing structure’s exterior is defined by a dark metal skin with vertically-running
ridges. large openings mimicking the form of windows puncture the elevations, exposing glimpses of
an outdoor garden space that still remains private from the street. this external wall acts as a fence-like
structure that defines a buffer zone between the residence and the neighbourhood while delineating
the form of the overall architecture.

views into south garden

(left) opening from street
(right) front garden

featuring two gardens to the north and the south, the design ensures optimal natural lighting and
cross ventilation for the space within. on the ground floor, the open kitchen, living and dining area
sits in between the outdoor zones, benefiting from an atmosphere that is constantly and directly
interacting with the gardens. the wet programs such as the washroom and bath are partially sunken
into the foundation to overlap the volume of the north garden with the ceiling height of the living space,
creating a chasm in which additional light can enter the interior.

view into interior

living and dining space

towards kitchen

north garden with sunken in washroom unit

japanese style room by south garden

north garden

(left) stairs
(right) view of communal area from stairs

upstairs bedroom

entrance

(left) dining space at night
(right) north garden at night

entrance at night

schematic diagram

sectional diagram

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

section

east elevation