lighthouse 灯台の家

オープンハウスでは町田かおるさんのイラストレーションを展示させていただきました。
アプローチ部分からも展示の様子が伺えます。
行き交う人々が何気なく足を止める姿が印象的でした。

Though the house is at the end of flag lot and situated in a quiet Tokyo residential area where boundaries of most houses and streets are marked by tall fences or hedges, this house has a presence to the pedestrians and the community of its area.  The long approach is designed for landscape to grow welcoming people and giving visual pleasure.  The French doors at the end of the approach allows for visual connection between the inside and outside.

This house is not an exception to other typical small houses in Tokyo.  However, it has two living parts; one for the main living area and the other for a multi-purpose room equipped with a separate toilet, a shower unit, and a mini kitchen.  This multi-purpose room can serve as a guest room, den, future kids room, atelier, office, gallery, BBQ room, mini concert hall, room to make furniture or maintain bikes, etc. With a room of such flexibility in spite of its smallness, the house will become a new prototype supporting the varied needs of modern lifestyles in Japan.

The space is all connected besides the bathroom and the multi-purpose room.  By installing windows facing all directions and shifting floor levels, the main living space is very open and filled with abundant light.  Windows scattered around and placed carefully to protect privacy allow for confortable light and breeze to come in.  Through the small window in the bedroom, one can overlook the living, dining, and the kitchen area.  The operable windows are accessed by a moving ladder, evoking a treehouse, while the skinny connecting doors to the multi-purpose room recall the feeling of entering a hideout.  A little bit of playfulness is scattered around.

The house is named "Lighthouse" with hope that it serves as a beacon guiding its occupants to a happiness, as a lighthouse guides ships through their journey.