N10-house / Masahiko Sato

Architects: Masahiko Sato
Location: Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Area: 207.0 sqm
Year: 2014
Photographs: Ishii Norihisa

From the architect. Here is the built environment of the project, [Grid house]: to its north and east, there tighly arranged old streets and five-floor dwelling houses, which are managed by prefecture government.

This project, built in this environment, aims to build a dwelling house for two generations which can ensure good communication within family and also protect personal privacy of each family member.

Four strategies is used to achieve these results:

-The first way is placing a light court in the middle of the house, create a vertical light connection between ground floor and the 1^st floor.

-The second way is building two garages, with one on the northern side and the other on the eastern, to separate the house from the crowding neighborhood and protect the privacy of family.

-The third way is placing the room of each family member around the light court and the wooden deck terrace. It not only protects the privacy, and also provides a place for the whole family to conmmunicate, besides, each room will be well lighted.

-Fourthly, the light court and the slit in the wall indirectly lighten the living room and dining room in the first floor, where are the whole family being together. This create a simple and healing room for the whole family.

This designing makes people who lives in this house better communicate and more respect of each.

From outside, the black louver and white wall make out a distinct contrast, make it looked simple and modern.

In the night, the light will come out through the grids, which brings a feeling of love and warm to people around. It is also the goal of the designing.