series of timber beams anchors longhouse residence in suzaka

series of timber beams anchors longhouse residence in suzaka
image © jumpei sudzuki

designed by architect taishin shiozaki, ‘the longhouse’ in suzaka is a family residence situated in the nagano prefecture in central japan. the family home is characterized by its linear form with the southern side presenting a series of trusses that connects the sloping roof to the ground. the angular truss formation is intended to alleviate snow accumulation during the winter whilst accommodating the possibility of solar panels. on the other hand, the north facing side of the residence consists of a long rectangular-shaped box, cladded in timber panels and the opposite side forms the repeating beams which is anchored to the garden at a distance of four meters from the outer glazing of the façade.

integrating an environmentally friendly approach, the house relies on a self-sustaining underfloor heating, cooling system with a flow of natural ventilation. the continuous concrete slab which extends outdoors acting as a terrace absorbs heat from the sun during the day, turning it into a thermal storage body that produces a comfortable degree of warmth at low costs.

timber cladded side of the residence where the bedrooms and private areas are located within
image © jumpei sudzuki

internally, the client desired the space to draw its influence from a café- using this, the strategy was to produce an intimate and cosy atmosphere taken from a typical coffee shop whilst incorporating aspects of a japanese ‘sento’ (public bath). the architectural response resulted in a curation of interesting zones where the inhabitants would have their own privacy, come and go at their own pace, but at the same time acknowledge each other’s presence within the house. the interior is defined by a series a private, inner rooms on the upper-floor overlooking a loft-like open-plan living room for family interaction and relaxing.

each second pair of beams is joined by a light steel seismic bracing support
image © jumpei sudzuki

the living room is south-facing and takes its influence from a café
image © jumpei sudzuki

everyday affairs take place whether isolated, stationary or moving within this long, open space
image © jumpei sudzuki

the open upper level
image © taishin shiozaki

image © taishin shiozaki

series of private, inner rooms along an outer street allows casual conversation as well as common tasks
image © jumpei sudzuki

timber is used in the majority of the interior
image © taishin shiozaki

image © jumpei sudzuki

the house at night looking into the lit interior
image © jumpei sudzuki

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