This house is called “Fog Distance” and is located in the suburbs of Tokyo. The land is situated in a cul-de-sac with seven other houses. The cul-de-sac are commonly used in Japan as a common area for families living in them, and are used as playgrounds for children or meeting places. But unfortunately, most Japanese suburbs tend to be disconnected from the street. This case is no exception. The customer requested an “expansion of space” and an “open plan” which will fit your lifestyle.
Therefore, we decided to design a home with a luminous presence. We also wanted to extend that brilliantly illuminate the premises and common areas inside the house naturally. Privacy became the biggest challenge when it decided to open the house to the street. It became clear that the proximity of the house to the street presented a challenge to separate the spaces. So we decided to create a sense of distance with the concept of looking through fog. This concept breaks divide the visual field, without creating a solid barrier. Using the concept of image filter, adjust the level of visual information that penetrates through multiple layers, creating an effect similar to looking through the fog. First, we moved the house to the back of the field and maximize the front garden.
Then we adjust the level of visual information as if it ends with the finished floor level, location of walls, and also the reflection in the mirrors and glass. Furthermore, we separate the private areas using perforated metal screens, each with a unique pattern, and located in specific places.
To offset perforated metal, generating a pattern, which creates a screen, similar to fog. This pattern is constantly changing according to the angles of vision, and creates a twinkle at night. Moreover, the pattern of light is filtered through the walls, floors, and sky, creating a subtle effect like being underwater.
It was necessary to understand multi-position filter to keep the shine in the vasa and a new sense of distance from the public space. Through these design techniques, we arrive at a house that “exudes a sense of existence” in suburban Tokyo.
