KIAS sits asymmetrical gabled volume on concrete bases in tokyo

KIAS sits asymmetrical gabled volume on concrete bases in tokyo
(above) the gabled volume is clad in galvanized steel
all images courtesy of KIAS / © toshiyuki yano

designed by local-based studio KIAS, ‘U house’ is located in a residential area in the chiba prefecture, at the outskirts of tokyo. the house is made of three different volumes: one asymmetric garble-shaped house and two concrete boxes. the first one is a galvanized steel-clad structure that sits on top of the extended concrete foundations that grow from the ground. by swaying away the roof from the neighboring building, the house receives more daylight, especially in the narrow garden bellow.

the house is located in tokyo’s outskirts

the asymmetric form of the house is reflected inside as a double height living and dining space. this formal imperfection allow for softer spatial experiences that can be found in japanese traditional houses. the study room, kitchen, and guest bathroom are arranged on the first floor, seamlessly connected to the living and dining room. the guest room can be found on the second floor and it features an attic under the triangular roof  and is complemented by a punched balcony.

the asymmetric form of the house is reflected inside as a double height living and dining space

on the ground floor, the ensuite master bedroom faces the private garden and its low windows are designed to enjoy the view from a seating height. the entrance hall, located between the two concrete boxes, serves as a guest reception and has a wide timber formwork imprint that continues from the exterior wall. the combination of soft and hard materials and various spatial proportions creates a richness that allows the owner to enjoy every and each living area throughout the different seasons.

the entrance hall, located between the two concrete boxes, serves as a guest reception

entrance from the hall to the master bedroom

the master bedroom has views to the private garden

the double height of the living and dining area creates a softer spatial experiences

dining area with a glass door that leads to the garden

the house is naturally illuminated

kitchen

staircase leading to the guestroom

the guest room is complemented by its own terrace

project info:

architect: KIAS (kentaro ishida, yuji ito, miyuki kakizawa)
location: chiba, japan
floor area: 190sqm
structure: reinforced concrete, wood frame
structural engineer: takashi manda, tmsd
hvac engineer: chiku engineering consultants
construction: ogawa kensetsu
completion: 2015
all photos: toshiyuki yano

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom