

yuusuke karasawa completes the layered S-house in saitama, japan

image © koichi torimura



located near the omiya station in saitama, the ‘S-house’ by japanese practice yuusuke karasawa architects represents the simultaneous diversity and order that is ever present in our cyber lives. a central datum of vertical circulation splits opposing 50 m2 platforms that intertwine in the center. what seems like a simple stacking of planes reveals itself to be a rather complex network of diagonal surfaces terminating into one another resulting in an intricate path of circulation from the basement level to the rooftop deck. offset voids in the floor plates bring yet another layer of complexity to the home allowing access to additional functions.



image © koichi torimura

each floor above ground is clad in glass panes to strengthen the structural concept of the home and allows for plenty of natural light and views. private functions are thus located below grade in fully enclosed volumes that serve as the ground-level floor at the entrance.



side view

image © koichi torimura



center datum marked by the intersection of diagonal planes and stairs

image © koichi torimura



interior space

image © koichi torimura



offset platforms create a dynamic relationship between levels and half-levels

image © koichi torimura



vertical circulation

image © koichi torimura



an intricate path of stairs lead from floor to floor

image © koichi torimura



kitchen space

image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



rooftop deck

image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



image © koichi torimura



the ‘S-house’ by night

image © koichi torimura



front view of the house by night

image © koichi torimura





floor plan / level -0.5

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 1.5

floor plan / level 2

floor plan / level 2.5

section

section

elevation

elevation

elevation

elevation









full article here

project info:

location: oomiya,saitama,japan

stories: 2 floors

architects: yuusuke karasawa architects—-yuusuke karasawa,principal-in-charge

consultants: structured environment—alan burden,hiroaki inukai,structural

general contractor: o’hara architectural and construction,ltd—akira ohara,satoshi kikuch

structural system: steel frame

materials used: steel plate, fluoropolymer painted,ceramic tiles,exterior;plaster board,emulsion painted,oak flooring,hemp carpet,interior

site area: 89.46m2

built area: 51.88m2

total floor area: 103.76m2

coverage ratio: 57.99%

gross floor ratio: 115.98%

design: 2010-2011

construction: 2012-2013

photographer: koichi torimura