Tokyo-based practice Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop designed ‘House in Kashiwa‘, a dwelling based on a container layout that responds to the needs of its inhabitants.
“Without defining or limiting the future possibilities of this family, we designed a house that allows for flexibility within their daily lives, such as hobbies and family” explains Kentaro.
The construction of the building is made by forming 4 boxes, each box divided into 2 layers around a central space which acts as the hub of the home in which the family gathers.
The first layer of each box functions as the kitchen, bedroom, plumbing area, and work space. The second layer has intentionally been left blank so the areas can create space suitable for their increasing hobbies, or wardrobes or a children’s room.
Each space meets the minimum size required for the designated function, such as the kitchen and bathroom. They act as not rooms but function spaces and the central hub is an open ceiling space where the 4 boxes, each with a function contributing to their daily lives are gathered around this central space.
“This house, born of long, fruitful discussions with the client creates a space where I hope the family and the building itself can grow close together” concludes Yamazaki Kentaro.
