Yokohama Chigasakihigashi Housing

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This spec home focuses on living in harmony with the sky, designed by renowned architect Shin Takamatsu, an expert in traditional Japanese housing. Takamatsu believes that a home must have a deep relationship with the sky. The design includes a room extending toward the sky, surrounded by simple white spaces. This flexible layout allows the sky room to be the focal point or to blend with the surrounding spaces, offering various living styles that connect with the sky.

Dimensions & Packaging

Site area：165.01㎡　Building area：70.71㎡　Total floor area：129.17㎡

Tags

housing,japan,modern,architecture,Yokohama

Production Technology

Rooms and hallways surround a courtyard, seen as a "sky room." Residents can enjoy different lifestyles, such as centering their lives around the courtyard or combining the courtyard and surrounding spaces into one. A simple glance upward from any space reveals the sky. The courtyard connects seamlessly with the rooms, and the windows create soft natural light without needing artificial lighting. The skyline encourages passersby to look up and experience the sky as well.

Design Challenge

In the suburbs of major cities, small-scale developments for mass markets dominate, leading to declining living environments. Our company resists this trend by maintaining developments at their current scale to preserve quality. For properties priced over 100 million yen, delivering value is crucial, and working with renowned architects is one approach. While spec homes make achieving ideal designs easier, strict budget constraints create constant challenges between cost and design.

Research

Traditional Japanese homes, like Kyoto's machiya, were designed to bring natural elements such as light and air into daily life, even in densely built cities. These homes had a garden at their center, creating comfort, respect for nature, and a unique aesthetic. Modern homes, however, prioritize performance and have become isolated from nature, heavily relying on energy. Now is the time to revive the traditional Japanese lifestyle, reducing energy use and reconnecting with nature.

Inspiration

In the suburbs of major cities, cramped living with close neighbors is unavoidable. Modern homes prioritize energy efficiency, insulation, and privacy, resulting in inward living spaces where people often keep curtains shut to avoid outside views. Traditionally, Japanese homes embraced nature, harmonizing with the climate and reflecting a deep connection to the environment. This project aims to restore those lost values and reconnect modern living with nature.

Project Duration

The collaboration between architect Shin Takamatsu and Principal Home began in 2014. We discussed the direction of the project for over a year and a half, and entered the design phase in 2015.
In 2016, "AROUND THE SKY" was completed and received the Good Design Award. Later, in 2017, "WITH THE SKY" was finished, followed by the construction of "ALONG THE SKY." This year, the construction of two "IN THE SKY" buildings has also been completed.

Operation Flow

Residents can move freely between the courtyard and surrounding spaces, enjoying different living styles, such as centering life around the "sky room" or combining the courtyard with surrounding areas. From any spot, a glance upward reveals the sky. Natural light and air create a comfortable environment without relying on energy. The changing scenery, bird songs, and clouds further enrich the emotional experience of the residents, deepening their connection to nature.

Image Credits

Copyright、Principal Home Co., Ltd.、2024