ashida architects sets concrete atami tower house on a steep slope in japan

tokyo-based ashida architect & associates has completed the atami tower house in atomi, japan. the residence, which is located on a steep slope, features a reinforced concrete structure that prevents vibrations generated by the air currents.

all images courtesy of ashida architect & associates

for atami tower house, ashida architect & associates was commissioned to design a home with the living area on the 4th floor in order to maximize the magnificent ocean views. to secure the required height, a tower-like shape with a large volume on the top floor was needed. considering the reinforced concrete construction on the steep slope, it’s impossible to shape the building with a cantilevered top floor. therefore, the architects made the lower floor the foundation for the shoring and shifted the volumes. a gap was generated because of this shifting, resulting in a terrace and a space that can be added in the future.

project info:

name: atami tower house
architecture: nobutoshi ashita architect & associates: nobuhito ashita
structure: ryoma murata design co., ltd. contact: ryoma murata, yamato kosaka
construction: daido kogyo co., ltd. contact: shinichiro hara
location: atami city, shizuoka prefecture
site area: 282.42㎡
building area: 46.54㎡
total floor area: 139.38㎡
scale: 4 floors above ground
use: housing
structure: reinforced concrete structure, rigid frame structure with load-bearing walls