Yatsugatake Villa Vila

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The exterior is characterized by three modern trapezoid tubes, deforming the traditional Japanese space under deep eaves to frame the landscape in four directions. The form was derived from meticulous calculation of precipitation, the sun's movement in summer and winter, and the thermal environment. Shoji paper screens offer a space filled with soft light iconic of Japanese culture when closed, and switch to the majestic scenery framed by the walls when opened, providing two alternating scenes.

Dimensions & Packaging

Site Area 691.00m2
Total Floor Area 110.01 m2 (1F 71.65 m2, 2F 38.36 m2)
W17,400mm x D12,300mm x H6,139mm

Tags

Villa, Sun light, Wind, Fan-shape, Wooden, Mountain, Three adjacent shells, Sho-ji, Eaves, Farming

Production Technology

Contrary to the contemporary style guided by precipitation, sun rays and the surrounding environment, the construction of the house incorporates traditional Japanese wooden construction methods, with earthquake-resistant walls and large openings. Traditional Japanese techniques and components are used throughout, including plastering on the curved openings and fittings such as shoji and ranma (partition with ventilation and daylighting functions), creating a vernacular architecture.

Design Challenge

In Japan, especially in rural areas, the number of carpenters capable of building elaborate wooden houses is decreasing, and it was difficult to find a builder who could construct a building with a unique (challenging) design. In spite of the modern design, Japanese cedar and plastering materials are used, and shoji screens as well as other traditional materials handed down from generation to generation are fit in by the indigenous module method, enabling the definition of a Japanese space.

Research

Three trapezoid tubes with north-south openings sit wide open towards the south to maximize winter daylight. Glass surfaces are set back from the roof edge to avoid direct south sun rays in summer. Side walls are arranged to block the west sun. The footprint is set back from the roof edge, partly to reduce soil excavation (deep foundation below the frost line is required), creating a sitting area free from rain dripping from the roof. It is a modern version of traditional Japanese engawa space.

Inspiration

With exterior walls arranged to resemble a fan, the house provides framing for the landscape, maximizing the location on a plateau surrounded by fields and trees with panoramic view of mountain ranges in the distance. It is a summer resort, slightly cooler than humid summers in Tokyo, and yet the sun rays are strong and the winters are cold. The roof was extended to block direct sunlight in the summer and side walls to keep the western sun out, resulting in a series of tubular forms.

Project Duration

The project was completed in Hokuto-City, Yamanashi, Japan in 2012

Operation Flow

Considering the cold winter, the building is built in a fan shape, open to the south, in order to maximize the sunlight while the sun moves. On the other hand, in summer, the roofs and walls of the trapezoid tubes block the strong sun rays, creating shadows inside, and windows at the north and south let the breeze through to cool the airy space. The layout, guided by the thermal environment, provides various interior scenes of varying depths as seen through the openings that connect the spaces.

Image Credits

Photography: Toshiyuki Yano