florian busch wraps its I house in japan with a minimalist timber skin

florian busch architects introduces its I house, a simple work of architecture within a dense and forested site. the timber project marks a small dwelling in izu-kogen, japan for an urban family to spend their weekends. developing the work, the design team notes the lack of surrounding views, obstructed by a cluster of uninspired neighboring buildings. with its moderate size, the site offers just enough space for greenery to contrast the density of the city the clients are leaving behind, but not enough to retreat entirely from the surrounding context. the design team notes: ‘in fact, one is reminded more of suburbia than of a recluse. while lush vegetation is never far away, so are the neighbouring houses.’

florian busch architects nestles its I house along a plateau off a tiny mountain road. while the house is comfortably perched over sixteen feet above the road below, so are the houses behind it. with this in mind, the team encloses the dwelling on either side to create privacy from its neighbors, while seeking to maximize views toward the distant landscapes beyond. being a weekend home, the brevity of each stay gives the design team a unique freedom — moments which would normally be considered inconvenient can become completely plausible, maybe even desirable.

with its I house, florian busch architects takes advantage of the opportunity for unique design elements. for instance, a set of steep and narrow stairs lead to the elevated house, and continues to unfold as a series of steps around a central column. at the end of this column, the roof suggests an open umbrella. at ground level, the interior extends outward onto a large terrace and the land around it. walking upward, some of the steps extend to become smaller platforms for rest. continuing upward, a multitude of cross-views keeps redefining the viewer’s perspective, extending the house from a small shelter that becomes larger and larger.