House by the Swamp W

Sapporo, Japan

Photo © Koji Sakai

Single Houses

Architects: Akasaka Shinichiro Atelier

Location: Sapporo, Japan
Year: 2015

A house built on the mountainside near the center of Sapporo. Although the site is located in a residential area, hardwood forests are left on the slope along the creek behind. Since the site was vacant for long time, the neighborhood residents were able to see the rich forests spreading along the creek every time they took a walk. In this plan, to prevent the view from being taken away from the neighborhood, a flat single-storied house is built on the inclined site, to keep the sight available through underneath the building. This space can be used for many purposes throughout the seasons not only as an eaves in front of the entrance but also as a semi-outdoor place, such as a parking space or work space in front of the shed, even during the winter in Sapporo with many snow.
The entrance and the staircase hall are visibly opened to the neighborhood, and the continuity of embedded plants in the floor and the forest behind leads your eyes towards the creek. This staircase hall with a slight exterior atmosphere gradually separates an active place, such as living and dining, and quiet place, such as bedroom and bathroom.