Takarazuka Huts

Envisage the entire expanse as an expansive garden, crafting an idyllic retreat and picturesque landscape.

The incline beneath the site is officially designated as green space by Takarazuka City, ensuring the semi-permanent preservation of the panoramic vista of the Osaka plains. Navigating the sloped terrain characterized by an 8.5-meter elevation difference (constrained by a building agreement limiting the maximum height along the north front road to 3 meters), we integrated the aspiration for the secluded garden, the haven for children's recreation, permeating the entirety of the site's transformation into the verdant oasis. The genesis of the design emanated from this very concept.

Throughout the project development, I drew inspiration from the hillside communities I had encountered in Greece, Morocco, and Algeria. The allure of these villages lies in their adept creation of spatial separation from adjacent residences, artfully navigating the topographical nuances and intricacies of water supply and drainage. Simultaneously, they manifest the capacious semi-outdoor expanse that molds into a landscape for inhabitation. This design endeavors to echo these principles, meticulously considering the topography and the lifestyles of friends and family, aspiring to fashion a sanctuary where inhabitants can luxuriate in comfort.

Given the pre-existing sewage infrastructure on the downslope, the concrete frame was strategically installed as the retaining wall to mitigate earth pressure, accommodating the water area and bedroom. Atop this frame, the roof terrace is slated for construction, seamlessly linked to the LDK through the structurally efficient bridge. Surrounding the bridge, the garden will materialize employing stones and gravel sourced during the slope excavation, complemented by the copse featuring Japanese red pine, red cherry, and Japanese Ash trees. This endeavor aims to enhance the pleasure of traversing the bridge while concurrently safeguarding privacy from the neighboring vicinity.

Expanding the aperture of the living/dining area to 110 degrees engenders the expansive vista from within, assimilating the garden and adjacent landscape into the fabric of the residence. Despite the seemingly scattered appearance from the north road, the huts interconnect internally, reminiscent of the contiguous rock-cut dwelling. The upper tier houses a children's room and workspace, with the two-story structure serving the dual purpose of shading the rooftop terrace from afternoon sunlight and veiling it from the perspective of the surroundings.

Architect: GEO-GRAPHIC DESIGN LAB.
Structural Design: Mitsuda Structural Consultants.
Landscape Design: Toshiya Ogino Landscape Design
Constructor: Beams construction
Building use: Private Residences
Structure Scale: Wooden / RC 3 floors above ground site
Area: 320.41 m²
Building Area: 98.61 m²
Total Floor Area: 221.43 m²