coil kazuteru matumura architects builds a climbing wall into 'F-house' in japan

in a quiet residential area of hirakata-shi, japan, coil kazuteru matumura architects has completed a modest timber dwelling for a family of four. the ‘F-house’ is designed to maximize its limited site area and to create warm, cozy spaces for the family. 

images by YFT – YAMADA FOTO TECHNIX

the total floor area of the house – 617.09 ft2 (57.33 m2) – follows the maximum size permitted by local building restrictions. in addition, the mono-pitch roof is designed to gain natural light from the south while not blocking sunlight entering the houses to the north, as per the regulations. with these tight restrictions in mind, coil kazuteru matumura architects devised a square floor plan that prioritizes a common living space for the family. 

the functions of the house are split unconventionally across the two floors. the common family area, kitchen and dining space are located on the second floor while the bathroom and bedrooms are found on the first floor. the loft-style of the upper floor offers a view of the sky and a small, third floor storage space created by the shape of the roof. the living space also includes a rock climbing wall for the children.

at the north-side of the second floor, where the ceiling height is lowered due to building regulations, there is a staircase, a restroom and storage designed for regular daily usage. the living room and the staircase are separated by a small library which is created by custom-made and existing furniture that also doubles as a handrail. there are curtains dividing the storage areas at the staircase and the kitchen to allow for a soft partition and a more affordable option.

on the first floor, the bathroom and the sink rooms are separated by doors, and the two kids room and the master bedroom are separated by curtains that again allows for the soft partition. although the house is fairly compact, the soft curtains help to create an open and flexible atmosphere. this allows for greater flexibility to change the future use of the house when the children have flown the nest.

the main carpenter, masaaki okimoto, had a vision that allowed for the children to experience and take part in the construction process. this unique and memorable experience was heightened by mr. okimoto inviting the family to participate in a wood crafting workshop in mt. yoshino. the structure and façade materials, made by fine, beautiful handcrafted yoshino traditional japanese cedar, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

despite the limited floor space, the design creates a comfortable living environment for a family of four. the house is designed in collaboration with a number of craftspeople. the handcrafted ceramic tiles used in the entrance are by tone. the ironworks on the entrance nameplate are by kondo tetsukobo. the ironworks on the entrance roof are by kinjyo kanamonokobo. and the iron hangers are made by jozu kosakusho.

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project info:

project name: F-house

location: hirakata-shi, osaka prefecture, japan
architectural design: coil kazuteru matumura architects
construction: masaaki okimoto from kisaburo
completion date: february, 2020
structure: timber
site area: 621.40 ft2 (57.73 m2)
built area: 308.60 ft2 (28.67 m2)
total floor area: 617.09 ft2 (57.33 m2)
photography: keishiro yamada of YFT – YAMADA FOTO TECHNIX