gather

2009 -

 

This is a renovation of a 27-year-old wooden residence built in a low, dense urban area of southern Osaka City. The intent was to solve numerous problems within the existing house by applying a single device, an undulating louvered surface. The concept was to resolve every functional change with undulating walls; the louvered line used nearly one thousand 2×4 inch pieces of lumber.
First, the existing built area on the site was reduced; three small gardens integrated with interior spaces introduce natural light and air into the interior. Afterwards, the 2x4s, which, laid end-to-end, would cover 2.8 km, were wrapped around the home and its gardens. Tilting slightly inwards or outwards and altering the angle of each louver, the entire surface draws together random areas across the surface in an irrational way, without concern for what is existing or part of the addition, for what is interior or exterior. As a result, the interior feels very spacious compared to its earlier state, even as floor area was reduced. Visible corners were gently rounded, creating smooth pleats equally and everywhere in spite of the irregular curvature. Besides, the louvered surface is quite tall where it faces the street and resembles an urban lumberyard. However, the two lines of louvers here, set at differing angles, prevent intrusive glances by passers-by, even while introducing cooling breezes. The louvers produce a beautiful moiré during the day and turn into a large light fixture at night. Unexpectedly, it also softly illuminates the area in front of the home, playing a role as a public streetlight.

location Osaka City, Osaka Pref.
principal use residence
completion date 2009
total floor area 115m2 (additional area: 4m2)
 structure wood
2 stories