Dezeen Magazine

House K by Takeshi Hamada

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Beyond the arched entrance of this metal-clad house in Kadoma, Japan by architect Takeshi Hamada is a corner light well surrounded by windows and balconies.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Every room inside the three-storey House K faces this lightwell, with living and dining rooms on the first floor and bedrooms on the storey above.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

A staircase connecting each of the floors is positioned behind glass-panel walls at the centre of the house.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

This time last year Takeshi Hamada completed a house with a bare concrete gallery at its base - see it here.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Photography is by Yohei Sasakura.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

The text below is from the architect:


House K Concept

A small, starkly white cuboid house built for a modest budget in a crowded residential area.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Environs and site for construction

This relatively small-sized 20-tsubo (66 square meter) property is in Kadoma city in Osaka Prefecture, a short distance from the local railway station.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

The surrounding area was developed on a small scale several years previously for residential construction, and this was one of the remaining unsold lots.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

The neighboring buildings are typical three-storied residences, with very little open space between constructions.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

A daytime visitor to this cul-de-sac sees clusters of chattering housewives in the roadway outside the houses, and hears the sounds of children at play.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Construction design

I designed a simple white box consisting of three floors. A light well extends vertically through all three floors and the inner space is ranged around it.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Each of the rooms faces this light well, so while maintaining privacy from outside eyes, light floods the entire interior and there is a healthy air flow throughout.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

#First Floor

A spacious entranceway, bath-laundry space and multi-purpose room occupy this floor, and by converting the low-ceilinged space under the stairway into an arched tunnel, the constrictiveness is relieved and a sense of playfulness is created

House K by Takeshi Hamada

#Second Floor

The maximum possible floor space is a kitchen and living/dining room. The staircase was purposefully placed in the center and flanked by glass doors on both sides.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Opening and closing the doors tailors this flexible space, adjusting the volume for a variety of needs.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

This design allows a maximum of area to be utilized as one continuous space, even on a small plot of land, and the inner balcony and light well increase the airy flow effect.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

#Third Floor

On the top floor are two bedrooms and a large balcony. Each area is contained within the outer walls of the light well which form the box-like shape of the house, and create a gentle sense of security.

House K by Takeshi Hamada

House Name: “House K”
Location: Kadoma city, Osaka, JAPAN
Construction: September 2011 – January 2012
Structure: Wooden Structure

House K by Takeshi Hamada

Site Area: 65.27 sq m
Building Area: 38.68 sq m
Floor Area: 97.69 sq m 1F(30.01 sq m)2F(36.90 sq m)3F(30.78 sq m)