Location: Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan Year of construction: 1997 Architect: Sbigeru Ban Photography: Hiroyuki Hirai
This house is one of a series of experimental projects that the architect calls “Case Study Houses.” Built on a slope, so as to minimize excavation work, the rear half of the house gives the appearance of being built into the landscape. The floor curves up at one end to meet the roof slab that is otherwise supported by only three very slender round pillars. The basic idea on which this house has been designed is that of achieving spatial continuity both inside and out. Two planes defined by the floor and the roof mark out and frame the horizon. Boundaries have been eliminated, the interior space has no divisions, visibility is total – even in places as private as the bathroom, which is open to view. Only the kitchen fittings, a bench, and a few items of furniture suggest slight outlines of areas inside a single smooth, homogeneous space.
The dwelling can be altered using sliding panels, making it suitable for different uses while at the same time giving each room a new character. Curved lines are extremely simple, the structure almost disappears, and the total transparency of the outer boundaries make the house seem to blend into its surroundings.
Although the underlying concepts of the project go against functionality, they involve theoretical forces that serve as an example for other designers.