This is a renovation project. The house was built in the course of the post-war era of Japan, when the influence of western style became popular. The superficial imitation of western architecture was utilised for the design and style of common housing, as seen in so-referred to as Provence or English style homes in Japan.
As a component of this trend, the home in Okusawa sought to imitate the English brick residence. It had a triangular wooden gable, typical of the English roof, while it also included a parapet. At first sight it looks like a RC structure, but this is misleading the wooden beams are reinforced by steel frames to lessen the quantity of interior pillars. Even though the house may possibly be superficial, it retains a specific charm that reminds us of familiar human feelings.
Rather than denying its immaturity out of the post-war period, we have taken a gentle and positive attitude towards it and renovated it into a home suitable for these days.
Architects: Schemata Architects
Place: Okusawa Setagaya Tokyo
Project Year: 2009
Project Area: 136.46 sqm
Photographs: Takumi Ota