Crafting Harmony: Where Generations Flourish in Shared Spaces
Innovative Design for Collective Living: The "Flock" Concept
The Chigasaki House, a modest 112-square-meter structure meticulously designed by Tamada & Wakimoto Architects, is situated on a compact plot in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Its core philosophy revolves around the "flock" concept, a strategic approach to accommodate three generations. This design ethos allows six individuals to enjoy distinct personal zones while seamlessly coexisting, much like a school of fish that gracefully congregates and disperses. This forward-thinking spatial arrangement aims to achieve a delicate balance between personal autonomy and communal interaction within a dense urban landscape.
Fluid Architectural Elements: Merging Structure and Space
At the heart of this residence lies a dynamic, grid-like wooden framework. Deliberately removed columns and strategically repositioned beams create a sense of expansive, interconnectedness throughout the house. Complementing this, a five-level skip-floor design orchestrates a seamless flow of movement, from the lowest semi-basement level all the way up to the rooftop. The varied floor elevations introduce subtle shifts in visual perspectives, forming intimate alcoves perfect for relaxation or contemplation. This intelligent spatial arrangement also establishes a thoughtful connection between the northern and southern gardens, inviting the serene ambiance of the surrounding dense residential area and its small green pockets indoors, thereby blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior environments.
Versatile Spaces for Evolving Needs: A Home That Adapts
The ground floor welcomes residents and guests with an inviting veranda and expansive windows that overlook the front garden, forging a direct and continuous link with the streetscape. This area transforms into a lively hub for children's play and spontaneous interactions with neighbors. The mid-level hosts the dining area and utility facilities, anchored by a generously sized dining table designed to facilitate multiple activities simultaneously. Smaller, private rooms, ranging from 4.5 to 7.3 square meters, are thoughtfully positioned on the semi-basement and 2.5th floors. These spaces offer remarkable flexibility, thanks to movable partitions and adaptable furnishings, empowering residents to customize connections between their private quarters and the shared communal areas as their family needs evolve over time.
Harmonizing Light and Views: Seamless Integration with Nature
Windows are strategically positioned at the building's corners, designed to open in two directions. This thoughtful placement ensures that outdoor vistas are consistently visible, enriching each internal space with varied light patterns and airflow characteristics throughout the day and across the seasons. This design fosters dispersed sightlines, even when multiple occupants gather, creating a comfortable sense of personal space and visual tranquility among individuals within the home.