OFEA crafts multi-leveled family home with pottery workshop in japan

based on a narrow flag-shaped site in suburban osaka, OFEA (office for environment architecture) has crafted a home combined with workshop for a family of pottery artists. working with a constricted plot of land, the designers used height and a sense of openness to create this distinctive, split-leveled property. the organization of the interior instills a continuous, single space made up of seven-layered slabs to form the different height floors connected by steel stairs. a shelving system made of timber display pottery pieces and runs the full height of the interior.

all images by yuko tada

the pottery workshop and kiln rooms has been arranged on the ground floor, meanwhile the residential spaces on the second and third levels. due to a limited budget, the timber supporting structure has been left exposed but it has consequently given the home warmth and character. natural light pours in from both ends of the building which is framed with windows that simultaneously present views of the distant mountains and greenery.

the bedrooms, dining and kitchen have been based on the top two levels

‘connecting the town to mount nijo, this has produced two sceneries: ‘hare’, which resembles the bustle of an approach that is open to the community, and ‘ke’ with an open flow of wind, light, and line of vision, which is reflecting by the routine pottery work and family life.’ – OFEA

highlighting the pottery background of the family, a tall timber shelving system runs the height of the home

the limited budget meant the beams and structure were left exposed

light fills the interior from all directions

the open-nature of the home gives the inhabitants varying views

a steel staircase connects the family to the various programs

wedged inbetween the internal structure, the timber shelves display bowls and ceramic pieces

on one end, mount nijo can be seen

the living room is based on the highest level

concrete has been used on the ground floor

on the exterior, the windows show glimpses of the multi-leveled interiors

the windows of each level can be opened to encourage airflow

the scheme is located outside osaka, japan