Core: A Unique and Private Residential House

A Spacious and Privacy-Focused Design by Michihiro Matsuo

Core was inspired by the owner's vision of a home where each room could be overlooked while still maintaining privacy. To achieve this, a high fence was installed around the site, minimizing windows facing the outside. The interior spaces were divided into layers of different heights, centered around a large open ceiling in the center. This design creates a sense of connection and spaciousness, visually connecting the residents and allowing the indoor space to spread diagonally.

What sets Core apart is its focus on privacy. Located in the back of a quiet residential area, the house is designed to provide complete privacy for its occupants. The high fence and minimal openings to the outside ensure that the residents can enjoy their living spaces without any intrusion. The different heights of the residential areas, arranged around the central open ceiling, further enhance the privacy while visually connecting each space, creating a rich and dynamic living environment.

The realization of Core involved careful consideration of both design and construction. The house is primarily constructed using a wooden structure, a popular choice in Japan for its heat insulation and durability. Structural analysis was conducted to ensure the strength and safety of the complex spatial composition, utilizing large-section laminated wood and metal joints. This attention to detail is crucial in earthquake-prone Japan, where structural integrity is of utmost importance.

Core's technical specifications include a site area of 408.90 and a size of 293.42. The two-story house is designed with a low-carbon society in mind, utilizing a wooden structure that has been reinforced through structural analysis. Despite the challenges typically associated with large openings in wooden structures, Core's precise structural analysis allows for a spacious design with ample natural light.

The three-dimensional interior space of Core creates a rich daily life experience while maintaining a sense of distance and privacy. The rooms with different heights are strategically placed around the central open ceiling, visually connecting the various areas of the house. This design allows for an expansive line of sight and fosters a dynamic and engaging living environment.

Core was completed in Hyogo, Japan in February 2023. The design was driven by extensive research on privacy in housing and the need for open yet closed living spaces. Regular tours were conducted to gain third-person perspectives and ensure the design met the needs of the residents. Overcoming challenges such as creating an open yet private living space in a densely built residential area and ensuring earthquake resistance in Japan further highlight the ingenuity and creativity behind Core.

With its unique design and focus on privacy, Core has garnered recognition in the design community. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2023, a prestigious accolade that celebrates well-designed, practical, and innovative creations. Core's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world make it a standout design in the field of architecture and residential living.

Image Credits: Michihiro Matsuo: Metaph architect associates

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