UID architects constructs concrete-shelled shrimp residence

UID architects constructs concrete-shelled shrimp residence
image © hiroshi ueda
all images courtesy of UID architects

japanese studio UID architects has completed their most recent residence in the heart of urban fukuyama. the house is comprised of three black reinforced concrete shells that overlap one another. at the ends, glass walls let light inside and extend views to the exterior. the architects sought out to design a home that incorporated nature without losing any privacy from the inside. at the ground level, integrated planter beds sustain small green ecosystems of plants and trees allowed to grow throughout the house bringing nature to the interior. a skylight at the center of the home renders a feeling of being outdoors by flooding the interior with natural sunlight filtered by deep exposed roof joists. the upstairs functions more like a bridge platform with many openings that allow this light to penetrate into the ground plane of the structure. a natural material palette of exposed wooden structure, floors and fixtures adds to the wholesome feel of the design.

 
entrance
image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

breaks in the exterior concrete shell open clerestories of light that pour into the open rooms
image © hiroshi ueda

the ground plan contains gardens that flourish under the natural light
image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

central skylight
image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

wood and concrete contrast one another as hard and soft materials, adding rich texture to the living spaces
image © hiroshi ueda

central garden
image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

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project info:

project name: shrimp
architects: UID – keisuke maeda
consultants: konishi structural engineers – yasutaka konishi; structural; toshiya ogino environment design office – toshiya ogino; landscape                            
general contractor: home co. ltd.
structural system: reinforced concrete, timber structure
used materials: exposed concrete, water repellent coating; exterior, cedar plate, wood protection paint (flooring), exposed concrete (wall), structural plywood, timber beam, wood protection paint (ceiling)
site area: 155.36㎡
built area: 96.27㎡
total floor area: 141.75㎡
date of completion: may, 2014