Fuma Shtëpi

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The living dining room on the second floor connects to the third-floor theater room via a double-height space. An east-west axis from the first-floor courtyard to the third-floor terrace is connected sectionally, while a north-south axis from the second-floor terrace at the south to the stairwell at the north is integrated into the plan. This interaction between internal and external spaces creates diverse indoor environments. The client's determination to live this area even under these unlivable environments form this architecture which allow to live such open, unusual and tranquil living.

Dimensions & Packaging

Three-story reinforced concrete structure
Site area: 510.86 square meters
Total floor area: 464.76 square meters
First floor area: 130.70 square meters
Second floor area: 238.40 square meters
Third floor area: 95.66 square meters

Tags

concrete, cantilever, atrium, planting, massive, open, modern, luxury, like a resort hotel, without curtains

Production Technology

The east facade’s first-floor wall was set back from the railway, with complex-profile second floor structures and third-floor eaves blocking noise, vibration, and street views. Gaps between these structures allow natural light and external ambiance into the internal space. Large glazed openings face the courtyard, extending the interior space towards the semi-open external area.

Design Challenge

We designed a three-story building with the primary living space on the second floor, where most essential activities could be completed as if it were a single-story dwelling. To support the large second-floor volume, we introduced series of two and three-story high load-bearing walls and applied two unbonded PC cables along the east-west axis to enable a cantilevered structure extending 5.6m east and 3.2m south. The symbolic U-shaped wall also assists the southern cantilever.

Research

We prioritize interpreting the potential of the land, guiding unique architectural forms and family lives that can only exist in that specific location. Each project involves different land, clients, and conditions, resulting in diverse solutions. In this case, while addressing various harsh environmental factors, we aimed to create an open and enriching living space, leading to a one-of-a-kind architecture that would not be possible in other locations or under different circumstances.

Inspiration

The site is in a once-flourishing town during Japan's modernization era, now seemingly deserted. To the east, a busy railway with about 250 trains daily causes constant noise. North of the site, the drinking quarter makes it less than ideal for residential use. Additionally, memories of severe flood damage linger in the minds of long-time residents. Our challenge was to create a rigid structure to address these negative factors and design a comfortable living environment.

Project Duration

Design duration: June 2021 – August 2022 (15 months)
Construction duration: September 2022 – January 2024 (17 months)
Location: Fukuoka Prefecture – Japan

Operation Flow

The homeowner begins each morning on the terrace table with coffee instead of at the dining table. On sunny days, they open the parasol and enjoy the gentle breeze among the plants, signaling the start of the day. Despite nearby trains, they feel no noise or vibrations, enjoying a wonderfully comfortable life. After sunset, they continue their open lifestyle, never closing the curtains. The children fully utilize the layout, running freely indoors and sharing joyful smiles across the atrium.

Image Credits

Image #1: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #2: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #3: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #4: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024
Image #5: Photographer Toshihisa Ishii, FU-MA, 2024