House S in Komae｜Takayoshi Nakamura Architects & Associates

The LDK was placed on the first floor, with large openings facing both the green space to the north and the south garden. The proposal was for a home where the children could be raised freely and comfortably, while enjoying the changing seasons, including the blossoms of cherry and plum trees.

In response to the requests of the client couple, who are both creatives, multiple workspaces were distributed throughout the house so they could be used according to various situations. Fixed built-in work desks were provided beside the kitchen and on the stair landing. In addition, the design allows them to do light work comfortably on a laptop while relaxing on the sofa or at the dining table. On the second floor, not only the workspaces but also the individual rooms and storage rooms can be flexibly divided or rearranged in response to future changes in their lifestyle.

The stairs were designed to be easy and safe to climb, with low risers and an intermediate landing. Although this increased the area occupied by the stairs, the space beneath them was used efficiently both visually and practically: a central handrail wall separates the entrance from the LDK, while the end of the staircase is suspended with steel, also serving as a fall-prevention guard. At the entrance, the partition at the ends of the treads is made of polycarbonate panels, allowing light to pass through and creating a lantern-like glow. The steel suspension members have a blackened finish that retains the rough texture of iron.

The entrance space also serves as a gallery for displaying artwork and as a work area with a concrete-floored finish. Elsewhere, the custom-built kitchen is equipped with a hybrid gas and induction cooktop. A residential fuel cell system (Ene-Farm) was also installed.

Building Overview

Structure: Two-story timber construction
Total floor area: 112.61 m² (34.06 tsubo)
Site area: 149.20 m² (45.13 tsubo)

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