Lifted into the air by its strong, boxy supports, this home in Kanagawa, Japan looks out onto an ever-changing scenery

Located in a terraced residential district, the Hafye House designed by Cubo Design Architect is built on a semi-flat site with a slight slope in the buconic town of Kanagawa, Japan. Nearby is Odawara Castle, built in the 15th century. The property looks down on the neighbourhood that grows around the castle, and beyond that Sagami Bay and Enoshima island in the distance. The client, who is born and raised in Odawara, wanted a relaxing home where he and his family could look out on this familiar yet constantly changing landscape.

“We envisioned a mid-air space with all the core elements for daily living lifted up onto the second story, and thought about how to bring the scenery of Odawara into every room,” says the architect. “The entryway, guest room, and music room is located on the ground floor, so we proposed raising everything else up above them.”

The three ground-floor elements are located inside two boxy supports that hold up the second floor. The stands are connected by a single large slab that runs down to the road, and on top of this, sits the light wood-framed structure which houses the remaining rooms. The children’s bedroom is located in a section of the structure that angles down diagonally due to the slope of the road; directly below is the space where the client gives piano lessons. Outside, part of the sloped area is terraced using sheet piles so the family can grow a vegetable garden.

“Passing through the dim entryway and up the stairs, one emerges into a space filled with light from large windows that overlook the sweeping views of Odawara. The gently linked rooms are divided into zones by differing floor elevations and ceiling heights, but one can enjoy the views and natural light from each space,” the architect explains further.

Architecture : Hitoshi Saruta | Photography : Hiroshi Ueda

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