Ike: A Unique House Design by Hatsuo Morimoto

Creating a Perfect Balance of Transparency and Privacy

Hatsuo Morimoto, a renowned designer, has recently unveiled his latest architectural masterpiece, Ike. This innovative house design challenges the traditional notions of privacy and transparency in urban areas. With its unique features and thoughtful design, Ike offers a harmonious living space that seamlessly blends with its surroundings.

The inspiration behind Ike stems from the need to create architectural spaces that can coexist with neighboring houses in densely populated urban areas. Morimoto recognized the importance of finding a balance between privacy and openness, allowing residents to enjoy their private lives while still feeling connected to the outside world.

One of the standout features of Ike is its grained concrete outer wall. By using a cedar board as a formwork and pouring concrete into it, Morimoto has created a three-dimensional concrete wall that adds dynamism to the overall architecture. This unique design element not only enhances the visual appeal of the house but also allows for the entry and exit of light and wind, creating a pleasant and airy interior space.

When it comes to the materials used in Ike, Morimoto prioritized fashion-independent choices that contribute to the formation of a cohesive cityscape. The house features universal wood-grained concrete exposed finishes, garage door wood, curtain wall glass, and stone fence blocks. These materials not only convey the texture of the building but also ensure that Ike seamlessly integrates into its urban environment.

Ike occupies approximately 70% of the land, leaving ample space for gardens. Morimoto strategically placed gardens as pockets in three different areas, allowing indirect light and ventilation to flow into the rooms. This design choice not only enhances the connection between the interior and exterior spaces but also provides residents with a soothing view of greenery from within the house.

Throughout the design process, Morimoto faced the challenge of creating a house that respects the proximity of neighboring houses while still maximizing sunlight. To address this, the shape of Ike is offset towards the upper floors, ensuring that sunlight is not completely blocked by adjacent buildings. Additionally, the design complies with legal height constraints while providing the necessary living space for its occupants.

Ike is a testament to Morimoto's ability to create architectural designs that strike a perfect balance between transparency and privacy. The various skins of the building, including the perforated block, vertical and horizontal grids, and curtain wall glass, offer different levels of visibility while maintaining a sense of connection to the surrounding environment. The glass windows reflect sunlight during the day, contributing to the cityscape, while at night, the interior lights create a warm ambiance that spills out into the city.

Recognized for its outstanding creativity and ingenuity, Ike was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2021. This prestigious accolade celebrates designs that showcase technical and creative excellence, contributing to improvements in quality of life.

With Ike, Hatsuo Morimoto has once again proven his mastery in creating unique and innovative architectural designs. This house not only provides a comfortable and harmonious living space but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the urban landscape.