K House

Niigata, Japan

Photo © Isamu Murai

Single Houses

Architects: Takeru Shoji Architects

Location: Niigata, Japan
Year: 2009

This smaller house was designed for a couple with two grown children incorporating the specific needs of the family—that it be handicapped accessible, that it would deter crime, and that it would allow the family to run smoothly, respecting each member's lifestyle. With this in mind, I suggested creating a house that was like a small village of several houses made into one.

By eliminating stairs, placing handrails around the house, and making the various areas of the house visible from anywhere within the house, inhabitants feel more motivated to walk and explore the various areas, and in this way I could create a "house that promotes rehabilitation". Also, while only being a single house, the layout makes it feel as though the separate areas are neighboring houses.

In this way the light that comes from other areas of the house seems as though it is coming from a neighbor's, creating a feeling of safety. In addition, because of the separated layout, there is a feeling of living in a neighborhood inside the house, which facilitates communication between those living there so that it's not forced and feels natural.