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An Ambiguous Zone Connecting Interior and Exterior.
The doma is a rich, ambiguous space that is neither fully exterior nor interior. It allows for activities without removing shoes, making it versatile for tasks such as gardening, bicycle maintenance, and DIY projects. By incorporating the traditional Japanese doma concept into modern residences, the scope of daily living is expanded.
Spacious Earthen Floor Area Extending from the Entrance.
By extending the earthen floor beyond the entrance to the living room and kitchen, a dynamic spatial experience is created. This design enhances practicality by allowing bicycles and strollers to be pushed directly inside and providing a temporary storage area for shopping bags. The earthen floor becomes an integral part of the daily circulation, resulting in a flexible and functional living environment.
Flooring Materials: Mortar and Tiles.
For earthen floors, hard and durable materials such as mortar finishes, tile installations, or exposed aggregate surfaces are suitable. The atmosphere can vary significantly depending on the color and texture, so select materials that harmonize with the overall design of the residence. The choice of material ultimately defines the character of the earthen floor.
Seating Area Utilizing Level Differences.
By incorporating a level difference between the earthen floor and the interior floor, the stepped section serves as a seating area. Occupants can sit on the interior side to put on shoes or sit on the earthen floor side to enjoy views of the garden, enabling versatile usage. The level difference creates a distinct place within the space.
Compatibility with Wood-Burning Stoves.
Installing a wood-burning stove on an earthen floor allows you to leverage the floor's fire-resistant properties. Tasks such as carrying in firewood and cleaning out ashes can be performed on the earthen floor without concern for dirt or damage. The lifestyle centered around the warmth of the fire harmonizes exceptionally well with the earthen floor.
Storage for Bicycles and Motorcycles.
With a dirt floor area, bicycles and motorcycles can be stored indoors. This eliminates concerns about theft and provides protection from rain and wind. Maintenance work can also be performed on the dirt floor, allowing the space to function as an area to enjoy your hobby. The dirt floor thus serves as a garage for your prized vehicles.
Earthen Floor as a Workspace.
For activities that involve dirt and mess, such as DIY projects, pottery, and gardening, an earthen floor provides an ideal workspace. It allows for the use of water and tolerates floor soiling without concern, enabling full concentration on the task at hand. By installing workbenches and shelving, the space can also function effectively as a professional-grade atelier.
Ideal for Living with Pets.
For households with dogs, the earthen floor area allows for wiping paws after walks and storing pet supplies. This space provides a comfortable environment for pets, functioning as an intermediate zone between the interior and exterior. The earthen floor plays a significant role in harmonious living with pets.
Thermal Insulation, Airtightness, and Thermal Environment.
Since the earthen floor tends to become cold during winter, enhancing thermal insulation and airtightness improves comfort. Conversely, it also offers the benefit of feeling cooler in summer. Adjusting the thermal environment according to the seasons is key to ensuring year-round comfort.
Multipurpose functionality enabled by storage shelving.
By installing storage shelves on the walls of the earthen floor area, a variety of items such as shoes, outdoor equipment, tools, and gardening supplies can be organized efficiently. Both open shelves and those with doors can be selected according to the intended use. Enhanced storage capacity improves the functionality of the earthen floor space.
A Place for Family Gatherings.
By integrating the earthen floor area with the dining and living spaces, it becomes a lively place where the family gathers. Placing tables and chairs on the earthen floor allows for dining, children’s play, and other flexible uses. The earthen floor becomes the focal point of daily life.
Fusion of Tradition and Modernity.
The doma is a traditional Japanese space, but by integrating it with contemporary design, a new appeal emerges. Combining modern furniture and lighting creates a unique blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics. While inheriting tradition, create a doma that suits modern living.
Refining Proportions.
By consciously considering the building's vertical-to-horizontal ratio and the balance of openings, a sense of calmness and elegance is imparted to the overall facade. Even simply standardizing the size and arrangement of windows can significantly alter the visual impression. It is advisable to repeatedly review physical models and elevation drawings during the design phase to verify the overall balance. Particular attention should be paid to the alignment of windows when viewed from the front and the depth of eaves, as these elements are difficult to modify later and therefore require careful consideration.
Achieving Cohesion by Limiting the Number of Colors.
By restricting the colors of exterior walls, roofs, and window frames to approximately two to three hues, a unified and harmonious facade can be achieved. While using multiple colors can express individuality, it may also result in a lack of cohesion. Carefully selecting a combination of base and accent colors allows for a sophisticated appearance that remains timeless. It is recommended to consider harmony with the surrounding landscape when making color choices.
Commitment to Material Texture.
The texture of exterior wall and roofing materials significantly influences the building's overall impression, even from a distance. For siding, factors such as the depth of relief and pattern selection are crucial, while for plaster finishes, the texture of the surface treatment plays a key role. Attention to these details creates a refined atmosphere. It is advisable to review actual installation samples under natural sunlight and consider their aging characteristics to make informed choices that minimize future regrets.
Creating Shadows and Depth with Eaves and Canopies.
Moderate eaves and canopies add dimensionality and character to a building’s exterior. They are also practical for controlling solar exposure and preventing rain intrusion. While minimalist designs with zero eaves have gained popularity recently, incorporating eaves with a projection of around 90 cm can effectively create a sense of depth through shadow play. It is essential to plan these elements in accordance with the local climatic conditions.
Simplify the Roof Form.
Complex roof forms are distinctive, but if a refined impression is desired, simple gable, mono-pitched, or flat roofs are effective. A clean roof form enhances the overall silhouette of the building, making it appear more elegant. However, due to their simplicity, details such as pitch and eave junctions become more prominent, so careful attention to precision in these areas is essential.
Creating a Cohesive Integration Between Exterior Structures and the Building.
By designing exterior elements such as gates, fences, and approaches in an integrated manner with the building, a unified sense of coherence is established across the entire site. Utilizing the same materials for fences as those used on the exterior walls, or harmonizing color schemes, achieves a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing residential environment. Although exterior landscaping is often deferred, planning it concurrently with the building allows for a more refined and sophisticated outcome.
Creating Nighttime Ambiance Through Lighting Design.
The nighttime appearance of a building is significantly influenced by the strategic placement of lighting. By thoughtfully arranging elements such as eave lighting, approach lights, and uplights on landscaping, a captivating ambiance distinct from the daytime character is achieved. Illuminating areas around the entrance and the building’s façades, in particular, enhances the sense of depth and volume, thereby conveying a refined and sophisticated architectural identity.
Consideration of the Placement of Rain Gutters and Air Conditioning Piping.
Although often overlooked, the placement of rain gutters, outdoor air conditioning units, and piping significantly impacts the building's exterior appearance. Positioning these elements so they are less visible from the front and selecting rain gutters that match the exterior wall color can maintain a clean and cohesive facade. By addressing the locations of these installations from the design stage, a visually appealing exterior can be achieved.
Considering the Continuity of Openings.
When multiple windows are present, arranging them in a regular pattern or aligning their heights creates a rhythmically pleasing and aesthetically attractive facade. Additionally, vertically aligning the window positions on the first and second floors imparts a clean and orderly impression. However, it is also important to balance this with interior functionality, so it is advisable to make decisions in close consultation with the designer.
Create Distinctive Features Around the Entrance.
The entrance serves as the face of the building. By thoughtfully designing elements such as the canopy, the materials and colors of the door, and the finishes of the surrounding walls, one can express the home's individuality and elegance. It is not necessary to be ostentatious; a subtle sense of distinction can be achieved through the careful use of materials and the refinement of detailing. Since this is the first area visitors see, it is essential to plan it with great care.
Consider the Segmentation of Volume.
Compared to a large box-shaped building, segmenting the volume can create a lighter and more refined impression. For example, changing the exterior wall materials between the first and second floors or introducing recesses and projections in certain areas can produce a richly textured facade. However, overdoing it may result in a cluttered appearance, so maintaining a sense of balance is crucial. It is advisable to review and evaluate the design using models and perspectives during the process.
Harmonizing with the Surrounding Environment.
A refined exterior does not necessarily mean an extravagant design. The ideal appearance is one that harmonizes with the surrounding streetscape and natural environment while exhibiting a tasteful individuality. When regional landscape guidelines are available, it is advisable to refer to them, aiming for a façade that blends seamlessly with the locale yet distinctly reflects your unique character.
Q&A
House with a Doma|Stylish Exteriors|Q&A
What is the practical size to allocate for a doma (earthen floor space)?
The appropriate size varies depending on its intended use, but an area of approximately 4 to 6 tatami mats allows for versatile functionality. For storage of bicycles or strollers, 2 to 3 tatami mats may suffice. Considering the family composition and lifestyle, it is advisable to design with some margin to accommodate potential future changes in use.
What materials are suitable for flooring in earthen-floored spaces (doma)?
Common materials include tamped earth (sanwado), mortar, and tiles. Mortar is relatively inexpensive and provides a clean finish but requires measures to prevent cracking. Tiles offer excellent ease of cleaning and a wide range of design options. Natural tamped earth has moisture-regulating properties but requires regular maintenance. Selection should be made according to the intended use.
How should the boundary between the earthen floor area and the living space be planned?
It is common practice to establish a clear distinction by incorporating a step or level difference. A height difference of approximately 15 to 20 centimeters helps prevent the intrusion of dust and dirt. Using sliding doors or shoji screens as partitions allows for flexible control between openness and privacy. Additionally, to maintain thermal performance, proper insulation and airtightness treatment at the boundary are crucial considerations.
What are the appropriate methods for implementing thermal insulation measures in earthen floors?
The standard practice is to install insulation materials beneath the earthen floor slab, known as slab insulation. It is essential to use airtight gaskets between the foundation and the sill plate to prevent cold air infiltration into the interior. Additionally, an appropriate ventilation strategy is necessary to address condensation issues. Designing with consideration for the overall thermal performance balance of the entire residence is crucial.
Is ventilation equipment necessary for work conducted on earthen floors?
Depending on the nature of the work, we recommend installing exhaust fans to manage odors, humidity, and dust emissions. It is effective to combine mechanical ventilation with natural ventilation. Please also consider integrating the system with a 24-hour ventilation system.
Is it possible to design with an emphasis on the connection between the earthen floor space and the garden?
By incorporating sliding doors that provide direct access from the doma to the garden and creating large openings without level differences, a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces can be achieved. Techniques such as extending the eaves to form a semi-outdoor area or continuing the doma flooring material onto the outdoor terrace are also effective. This approach results in a highly attractive residence that allows for gardening activities even during rainy weather.
What are the key design elements to achieve a refined exterior appearance?
Proportion and balance are essential elements. The harmonious arrangement of window placement and size, eave projections, and the ratio of exterior wall materials creates an elegant and cohesive facade. It is recommended to limit the color palette to within three colors and to pay close attention to the texture when selecting materials.
Please explain how to enhance the exterior design through window placement.
Rhythm and order are essential in window placement. Aligning the central axes of windows across each floor and maintaining consistency in the size of openings create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing façade. Additionally, balancing functionality and design by avoiding excessive window proliferation and ensuring appropriate placement contributes to a refined architectural expression.
Are there any tips to avoid mistakes when choosing exterior colors?
It is important to prioritize harmony with the surrounding environment. We recommend using basic colors such as white, gray, or beige as the primary palette, while keeping accent colors to a small area. Additionally, considering the effects of aging, selecting colors that do not easily show dirt is a practical decision.
What are the key points to create a refined impression around the entrance?
The entrance serves as the "face" of the building and is an area that should be designed with great care. Details such as the ceiling height of the porch, the projection depth of the eaves, the material of the entrance door, and the texture of the handle all play a decisive role in shaping the overall impression. Harmonizing the paving materials of the approach with the surrounding landscaping is also essential in creating a cohesive spatial experience.
Please explain the lighting design that influences the impression of the building's exterior.
Exterior lighting that defines the nighttime appearance plays a crucial role in beautifully highlighting the building's contours. By using uplights to illuminate walls and landscaping, or incorporating indirect lighting under eaves, it is possible to create an appealing ambiance distinct from the daytime facade.
How can one achieve a distinctive exterior design while maintaining harmony with the surrounding neighborhood?
It is important to express individuality based on an understanding of the architectural context of the area. Fundamental elements such as roof pitch and eave overhangs should be aligned with the surrounding environment, while originality can be introduced through color schemes, materials, and window shapes. This approach allows for the expression of the resident’s character while respecting the surrounding context.
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