Type: Single family residence
Status: Completed
Site: Karuizawa, Japan
Area: 190 m2
Year: 2002
In order to stimulate use of an outdoor space, a concept of “Promenade” is introduced. An elevated path which wraps around the villa functions as the promenade that gradually guides visitors from ground level to a living area.
Intrusion of the promenade into the villa results in separating a building mass into two: one for living room and master bedroom for the family, and the other for their guests. Outdoor platform between two buildings (within one) is used as an extension of the living room where the family interacts with their guests. In order to highlight privacy of the family, master bedroom and bathroom are elevated above the living room.
The promenade transforms from a mere circulating path into amphitheater-like steps that provide a platform to experience surrounding forest from various viewports.
Intrusion of the promenade into the building facade is accentuated by use of local pine boards painted in black, in contrast with white stucco façade.
Overall massing of the villa inherits the concept of folding.