‘terraced house’ in yokohama adjusts to each season to maximize living comfort

Volume splits according to natural sunlight distribution

‘Terraced House’ by Ikeda Yukie Ono Toshiharu Architects shapes a multi-leveled building in Yokohama that adjusts to each season, optimizing the living environment. Built on a sloped plot, the house stands over a retaining wall on the southern edge and juts against the site on the eastern side. The inadequate sunlight shed on the site led to the splitting of the volume into layers arranging common living functions on the sunniest terraced floor during the winter period, and on the lower and cooler shadowy level during the summer months. Assembling the space in weather-conformed zones maximizes comfort in each season.

all images by ©Koichi Torimura

Layout adjusts seasonally to optimize the thermal environment

Fully comprehending the restrictions of the site, the team arranged three terraced floors facing southeast. Taking advantage of the most effective light, the layout sets winter lining zones in this orientation. The area is open to the view and creates the possibility for a loft to be made in the future. The summer living room forms below the back of the second-floor terrace and plans an indoor-outdoor layout. The multipurpose room makes space for outdoor activities and connects to its surrounding environment, providing an open and relaxing place for social gatherings. The room at the back of the first floor accesses the shaded garden and can adjust to an open or more private layout using a movable partition.

the main entrance is covered by the top floor’s terrace

the lower level is cooler and shadowy during the summer months

intermediate space and extension on the ground floor

the common living room on the ground floor flows between the interior and exterior space

terraced winter living room splits into internal levels

direct connection between the interior and outdoor space

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the winter common zones are arranged on the top floor

rich sunlight is spread in the winter living room warming the space

the connection with the yard allows family summer activities

the multi-leveled terraced house is convenient for every season

project info:

name: Terraced House
designer: Ikeda Yukie Ono Toshiharu Architects

location: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

photography: Koichi Torimura

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom