N12 House: A Modern and Innovative Residential Design

Integrating Functionality and Scenic Beauty

One of the standout features of the N12 House is the integration of a built-in garage as an integral part of the design. This not only fulfills the owner's desire to showcase his car collection but also adds a unique element to the overall structure. The garage seamlessly blends with the rest of the house, creating a harmonious and visually appealing facade.

The interior of the N12 House is characterized by a sense of openness and spaciousness. The large living room on the second floor, accessed via a staircase, offers breathtaking views through its expansive windows. The strategic placement of these windows allows natural light to flood the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of red cedar boards on the ceiling, which extend to the sloping eaves of the terrace balcony, further enhances the sense of spaciousness and connection to the outdoors.

Technology plays a crucial role in the realization of the N12 House. Indirect lighting design has been employed to create a warm and gentle living space, while the use of the Wooden frame surface rigidity method ensures the building's structural integrity. This method, which deviates from the conventional wooden structure prevalent in Japan, allows for greater spans and a larger extending roof, making the N12 House a truly innovative and technically challenging project.

The N12 House covers an area of 556.05 sq. meters, with the first floor built-up area measuring 83.73 sq. meters and the second floor measuring 73.72 sq. meters. The ceiling height of 3 meters in the living spaces adds to the overall sense of spaciousness, while the sloped edges at a 1:10 ratio create a sculptural form. The design of the N12 House successfully balances aesthetics, functionality, and compliance with building regulations.

Located in a chaotic urban setting, the N12 House offers a tranquil oasis for its residents. The circulatory terrace balcony, which opens out towards three directions, provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding environment. This open space allows for social interactions and relaxation, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living.

The N12 House project, which commenced in September 2017 and was completed in April 2019, required meticulous planning and collaboration with various stakeholders. The design team, led by Masahiko Sato, conducted multiple meetings and presented computer graphics (CG) renderings to ensure the client's vision was realized.

The N12 House has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2020. This prestigious award acknowledges the innovative and creative approach of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The N12 House exemplifies the pursuit of excellence and contributes to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The N12 House is a testament to the power of design to create spaces that inspire, relax, and bring joy to people's lives. Masahiko Sato and the design team behind this project have successfully crafted a modern and innovative residential design that seamlessly integrates functionality, aesthetics, and the beauty of its surroundings.