This house was designed for a family of three.
The site is located in a neighborhood situated between the expansive farmland of Hokkaido University and the Sapporo Racecourse.
Compared to typical residential lots in Sapporo, the site is relatively small and is enclosed on three sides by existing buildings. On the west side of the site, across the front road, lies the Sapporo Racecourse, whose boundary is marked by a continuous row of majestic poplar trees. The contrast between the generous scale of this landscape and the denser, more eclectic feel of the surrounding neighborhood defines the unique character of the area.
At the outset of the design process, we envisioned a house that would genuinely engage with the spacious landscape in front while allowing this distinctive scenery to permeate every part of the living space.
The ground floor facing the street is used for parking, with the public area of the house situated toward the road, and the private quarters placed at the rear of the site, separated by a central courtyard. These areas are connected by staggered levels through a series of stairs. A large opening is placed in the exterior wall of the public zone facing the street. Additional openings, segmented by floor level, frame and draw in fragments of the surrounding scenery, gradually extending it toward the back of the site.
As a result, each living space is articulated into a scale appropriate to its use, each endowed with a unique view, maintaining a sense of autonomy while softly interwoven into a coherent whole. As one ascends or descends the stairs, a sequence of trees, interior spaces,shifting distances, the interplay of inside and outside, and the rhythms of light and shadow are woven into the experience of living. The various openings also promote excellent ventilation, enriching the temperate seasons characteristic of the northern climate.
The resulting distinctive exterior form adds a sense of depth to the streetscape.