ikimono architects divides areas of this japanese house using a wooden grid

ikimono architects has completed a 120 sqm private house in kanto, japan, whose different functions are divided by a grid and separated by lightweight sheets of fabric. the two-floor residence is built with a wooden structure that incorporates long, large windows which create a direct connection with the surrounding landscape, reinforced further by earth floors and small trees growing within the interior.all images courtesy of ikimono architects

ikimono architects decided to use the grid as a spatial format in order to provide an active freedom to the residents, who can use it as a tool to coordinate their everyday lives. ‘grids have been a useful tool for architects for a long time since they are rational for dividing large areas uniformly, such as latitude and longitude, city blocks, and architectural pillars,’ explains ikimono architects. ‘the pure rationalism of greenhouses and factories that pioneered modern architecture was outside of humans, but it is also humans who have grasped the world through their mathematical regularity.’

the house’s long, large windows place residents in the expanse from the ground to the sky, while creating visual connections from one end of the building to the other. the structural grid ‘puts itself in the spread of consciousness, with a range that runs through the landscape that continues flat as far as possible, through the walls of the building, beyond the group of flat sections, and into the town,‘ continues ikimono architects. ‘it is an architecture that helps localize itself in the real world coordinates, imaginary coordinates, or both. now young trees will root at the intersection and grow up over time. an intersection that leads to an imaginary space is a real existence.’

project info:

name: grid

architect: ikimono architects

person in charge: takashi fujino, emi gunji, emi gunji, yasuhiro tsutsumi

construction: kenchikusha shiki inc.

main structure: wooden

number of floors: 2f above ground

total floor area: 120.37 m2

main use: house