armadillo by yuji tanabe is built on diamond-shaped plan

‘armadillo’ designed by yuji tanabe architects is an annex space for a young couple, her father, two dogs and a cat, built on the site of their exiting home (from the 1930s) that was already enlarge 35 years ago. the clients are avid collectors of furniture and musical instruments from around the globe, and requested an extension as a place for playing music, relaxing, sleeping as well as hosting parties–realized under a concept similar to that of a weekend house. located in kamakura, japan with the sea to one side, surrounded by mountains on the others, the extension is defined by the existing house, resulting in a diamond-shaped site–a large persimmon tree grows on the lot with the property line delineated by a retaining wall.

 
the annex space is defined by the site’s existing elements including a large persimmon tree

the first floor houses an under-floor heating and cooling system which conditions the interior through the void of the stair. this initial level can be accessed from its four sides via large glass sliding doors, opening up the interior onto the surrounding green landscape. the second floor is reached via a staircase that leads to a lofted area that features a walk-out deck.

the house sits as a polyhedron shell on a diamond-shaped site

‘armadillo’ is structured with a polyhedron shell that is built from a timber framework. because the shell is slightly larger than the first floor, it appears as if the second level is cantilevered, protecting the deck that runs around building.

general view of the site that is surrounded by the sea on one side, and mountains on the other three

aerial view

the annex space sits adjacent to client’s existing home

a deck runs around the house

the annex sits on a diamond-shaped plan

the interior can be accessed by large sliding doors on all sides

a stairway leads upwards through a void to the second floor lofted area

general view of the first floor

view of the two floor plan

aerial view of the interior from the second floor deck

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project info:

architects: yuji tanabe architects

location: kamakura, kanagawa, japan
structural engineer: jun sato
builder: kawaguchi kenchiku
site area: 422 sqm

area: 52 sqm

year: 2013

photography: yuji tanabe