I3-house [ Modeling on the hill ]

Residential House Designed by Masahiko Sato

To obey the design legal restrictions, a terrace balcony on the southeast side was designed to float from the ground surface in a cantilever manner, allowing residents to enjoy spectacular views of the city and Hyuga sea. The roof shape was also carefully designed to minimize wind pressure loads, considering the frequent typhoons in the area. The roof was intentionally designed without eaves to mitigate the effects of strong winds.

The overall building shape was determined by the configuration of parking and housing. The exterior and roof are highlighted with white color, with gray accents, and a tree is strategically placed on the outer side of the wall facing the road, adding a touch of greenery to the design.

The I3 House features a conventional wooden post and beam structure. The site area is 429.34sqm, with a building area of 164.19sqm and a gross floor area of 182.78sqm. The building coverage ratio is 34.44 percent, and the gross floor ratio is 38.25 percent. The maximum height of the house is 8.55 m, and it provides parking for two cars. The exterior finish is siding, and the architect behind this innovative design is Masahiko Sato.

The room arrangement of the I3 House was carefully planned to maximize natural light and ventilation. The design allows morning sun to enter the rooms while preventing strong western sunlight from penetrating the interior. A skylight in the living room adds a sense of openness to the space, and openings are provided on the stairs. The second floor features a multi-purpose hall without partitions, creating an open and versatile space. The main bedroom and nursery are designed to maximize natural ventilation and lighting, with balconies providing additional outdoor access.

The I3 House was completed in October 2015 in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Throughout the design process, the team faced challenges related to legal restrictions and regulations regarding the cliff on the southeast part of the site, as well as wind loads from the sea direction. However, these challenges were overcome through innovative design solutions.

The I3 House, designed by Masahiko Sato, was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding expertise and innovation demonstrated in the design. The I3 House showcases a remarkable level of excellence, combining strong technical characteristics with splendid artistic skill, and evoking positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.