House in Endo｜Kurashi no Jōzōsho
This residence is situated on a site surrounded on all sides by neighboring houses, designed for a couple and one child, with plans to accommodate a second child in the future. Due to the presence of houses to the south limiting direct sunlight from that direction, the design adopts an eastern courtyard strategy to capture morning light from the east and partial southern light by incorporating a single-story section on the south side. This results in a U-shaped courtyard plan that maximizes natural illumination. Although the total floor area is modest at approximately 86 square meters (26 tsubo), the living room and adjacent deck are seamlessly connected on the same level, creating an expanded sense of spatial openness.
Despite the constraints of a challenging site, the plan places great emphasis on the relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The approach is designed to warmly welcome visitors with a symbolic Yamamomiji (Japanese maple) tree and the gently sloping roof of the low single-story section. The seasonal transformations of the symbolic tree and courtyard plantings—Shimatoneriko (Fraxinus griffithii) and olive trees—can be enjoyed throughout the year. The wood deck is envisioned as a comfortable and tranquil retreat where the family can relax and connect with nature.
Building Overview
Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Primary use: Private residence
Structure and scale: Wood-frame, two-storey building
Contractor: Hirota Komuten Co., Ltd.
Site area: 160.56 m² (48.56 tsubo)
First-floor area: 53.82 m² (16.28 tsubo)
Second-floor area: 37.26 m² (11.27 tsubo)
Total floor area: 91.08 m² (27.55 tsubo)
Other: Seismic performance rating — Grade 3
