MITO RESIDENCE COMPETITION
Total Floor Area: 176.44 sqm
First floor: 105.53 sqm
Second floor: 70.91 sqm
Sakura Competition
The main concept is the creation of a flexible two family house to assist the inhabitants in generating a new living style, one that is centered on communication, flexibility, and a strong relationship to nature. With the advances in technology the way that people traditionally interacted with the community has changed dramatically and this proposal demonstrates a proposed re-organizations of our homes. This house is designed with the idea that the primary living space forms the center of attraction and communication for this house. This central space is wrapped around with a layer (910mm) that serves as the communication space to the larger society. This area was once embodied in the engawa which served as the space used for communication with society but in todayﾕs society the communication is primarily formed by the mass communication of the internet, TV and radio as the worlds events are brought into our homes interiors. This proposal harmonies this new technology with the traditional engawa and provides a societal interactive space that wraps around the central communication space of the family. Doors or so-called moveable walls can be closed when desired so that the families internal communication can be preserved. Because this is designed for two families, the flexibility to close portions of the house for privacy is desirable. Therefore a double kitchen and dining space are proposed in order to provide for a coordinated independent life style for both families. This is to maintain a clear balance and definition of its two families identity and connectedness. The design also extends and connects the living spaces to nature by a continuous flowing space with the deck serving as a transitional space to the garden.This house is formed by two rotated boxes the primary box contains the main living spaces and is related to the sun or to heaven, while the rotated box surrounds the primary box on three sides and houses the support facilities and its orientation is to the property boundaries or symbolically related to the earth. When people are involved in the making of their lifestyle the symbolic concept of heaven, earth and man is represented.
Energy savings is handled by the buildings orientation, the tightness of the building and its ventilation capacity. This design is characterized by a relative East-west elongation so that the house is oriented primarily toward the south in order that the sun can enter the house over the entire day and provide for pleasant internal day-lighting. This design also acquires the suns energy in the winter and blocks the suns rays in the summer. The main living area is surrounded by the support spaces and these block the winter winds and act as a shelter for the main living spaces. In the warmer weather the wind flows through the house in order to maintain a comfortable living environment and with a 24 hour ventilation system and double pane windows this home provides for energy savings and a comfortable living environment.