Imagine a home in the heart of Tokyo, where the vibrant city meets serene tranquility. Architect Keiji Ashizawa masterfully crafted the House in Minami-Azabu, a testament to thoughtful design and innovative use of materials. This isn't just a house; it's a carefully solved puzzle, designed for a couple and their three children. Let's dive in!
Ashizawa approached the design as a complex puzzle, perfectly fitting the pieces together. The three-story home, nestled in the Minami-Azabu neighborhood, cleverly balances privacy and openness. On the southern side, you'll find wooden louvres and lush greenery, providing both shade and a visual barrier from the street.
But here's where it gets interesting: the northern facade features sliding shoji screens, offering a different kind of connection to the outside world. Ashizawa himself stated that the goal was to create a space that functions beautifully both in its layout and as a comfortable living environment. The strategic use of balconies, terraces, and a rooftop garden achieves this, providing a calm oasis amidst the dense urban landscape.
The location itself played a significant role in the interior layout. Private spaces are on the first and second floors, while the third floor is dedicated to an open-plan living and dining area. This strategic placement allows for direct access to a large terrace and an open rooftop garden, maximizing natural light and offering a sense of spaciousness, while still maintaining distance from the bustling street below.
Now, let's talk about the materials. Reinforced concrete was chosen for its suitability in Tokyo's climate and its ability to meet fire-resistance requirements. It also offers excellent acoustic performance and vibration control. Moreover, concrete is ideal for creating the terraces and rooftop spaces that are so integral to the design.
For the louvres on the southern facade, Ashizawa selected ipe, a tropical hardwood known for its exceptional weather resistance. These louvres, combined with strategically placed planting, soften the sightlines while ensuring proper ventilation. The choice of wood also helps to prevent excessive heat buildup, creating a more comfortable and breathable environment.
Creating a connection to nature was paramount. Traditional Komatsu stone paving at the entrance evokes the feeling of a Japanese garden, setting a calming tone. On the third floor, the dining area opens directly onto the terrace, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A spiral staircase leads to the rooftop, adding even more outdoor space.
Inside, a large skylight illuminates the interior, while a neutral color palette with natural wood and greige hues creates a sense of calm. The living space features a stone fireplace and dark-toned tiles on one wall, which match the dark-hued furniture. A bar counter separates the dining and living areas.
Ashizawa's design philosophy is evident in every detail, from the gradual tonal changes as you move through the house to the carefully chosen materials. The goal? To create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a true sanctuary in the city. What do you think of this balance between privacy and openness?
Do you find the use of concrete and wood to be an effective combination?
Other residential projects by Ashizawa include another house with louvres in Aoyama and a minimalist apartment lined with local wood.
The photography is by Tomooki Kengaku.
