masahiko sato rhythmically arranges volumes of M4 house

masahiko sato architect show M4 house
image © toshihisa ishii

located in the quiet residential district of higashisonogi-gun, nagasaki, masahiko sato of architect show has designed ‘M4 house (house of overlap)’ as a rhythmic series of volumes that compose a secure and private environment. extrusions in perpendicular directions become a garage, an upper storey for bedrooms, and several interstitial overhangs, which add to the musicality of the design. the entry level is thus left as an open plan as though the interior partitions were pulled apart to create an expansive volume for public functions. the overall height and proportions of the roof and windows are carefully tuned with the massing and interior spaces. an enclosed courtyard with several trees creates a balance between indoor and outdoor rooms within the dwelling. to integrate the arboreal presence with the home, the ground floor is clad in red cedar inside. even the upstairs corridor is enclosed with lumber slats at the cut-away in the floor which overlooks the double-height living room. this material application gives the communal space privacy while maintaining visual connection to the second floor. the sense of security is emphasized by the solid white walls that complete the facade, while the wooden cladding continues outside to emphasize the axis of the entryway and principal family areas.

a rhythmic series of volumes and materials grace the street of a quiet residential district in japan
image © toshihisa ishii

(left):the proportions of each volume is carefully tuned
(right): the courtyard balances indoor and outdoor living spaces
images © toshihisa ishii

(left): cedar cladding brings the feel of nature into the home
(right): the courtyard acts as an extension of the livingroom  
images © toshihisa ishii

the strong directionality of the wood panel finish emphasizes directionality toward the courtyard
image © toshihisa ishii

main living areas are arranged within an open plan
image © toshihisa ishii

view from the extruded second floor into the livingroom and kitchen
image © toshihisa ishii

looking down the hall, the slatted wall gives the communal space privacy while maintaining visual connection to the second floor
image © toshihisa ishii

1/22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

project name: m4-house house of overlap
location: higashisonogi-gun in nagasaki
district: kyushu
use: residence
site area: 195.15
building area: 120.61
gross floor area: 135.13
building rcaotvioe rage: 61.80
gross floor ratio: 69.24
building scale: 2 stories above ground
structure: wooden
max.height: 7.8 m
parking lot: three cars
exterior finish: siding wood panel
architect: masahiko sato
complete year: 4,2013
client: mr.mori
photographer: toshihisa ishii