FU House: A Masterpiece of Residential Design

Golden A' Design Award Winner by Katsufumi Kubota

Located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi, FU House is a product of Katsufumi Kubota's childhood experiences. Growing up in an industrial zone near the Seto Inland Sea, Kubota was familiar with the sight of glaring metal tanks and fierce fires tearing through the night. This surreal and abstract world, which hinted at a hopeful future, served as the inspiration for this unique residential design.

The FU House stands out for its unique properties. It features three white slabs, each folded into an L shape and inserted three-dimensionally into the environment. The spaces created between the intersections serve as a catalyst for nature and human emotions, while also controlling nature’s dynamism with their L shape fold. This design allows light to seep in and wind to pass through the spaces between the slabs, creating an ever-changing ambiance.

Built with reinforced concrete, the FU House covers a total floor area of 148.53 m2. The design process spanned from 2012 to 2014, with construction taking place from 2015 to 2016. The design team, led by Katsufumi Kubota, included Kazuya Toizaki and Kazu Kubota.

The interaction of the design is simple yet profound. The three slabs create a free space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The design's strengths lie in its ability to control the dynamism of nature and create a space that is in harmony with its surroundings.

For its innovative design and unique properties, the FU House was awarded the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's wisdom and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.

With its unique design and award-winning status, the FU House is a shining example of how architecture can be a fusion of form, function, and inspiration. It stands as a testament to Katsufumi Kubota's innovative approach to residential design and his ability to create spaces that are in harmony with their surroundings.