Tato Architects / Yo Shimada

House in Izumi-Omiya

Location / Osaka, Japan
Type / House, Transformation
Family Structure /　couple + 1 child

Design

Design
Tato Architects
Team / Yo Shimada　Yasuko Hamasaki

Construction

Kyowatechno

Scale

two-storey
Main Structure – Steel construction on concrete mat foundation
Site Area　162.15 ㎡
Building Area　79.20 ㎡ (48.84% of max % of coverage ratio permission)
Total Floor Area 　118.40 ㎡ (73.07% of max % of floor area ratio permission)
First floor 79.20 ㎡
Second floor　39.20 ㎡

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Located in Kishiwada, south of Osaka, this house was converted from a warehouse. The young couple, who commissioned the project, like bouldering a form of rock climbing that is performed without the use of ropes or harnesses. This became the inspiration source for the main features in the refurbishment of the building. Minimizing changes in the existing structure, the spatial quality was changed drastically by new leaning walls that divided the space. In some areas, the walls are equipped with handholds for climbing practice.
Due to the lack of thermal insulation and sufficient water proofing, the original exterior ALC walls were replaced with corrugated iron composite panels. The large space is heated up by a floor heating system with heat storage placed on the existing slab. The shutters were replaced by a big window, and a translucent corrugated polycarbonate wall was built in front of the garage to protect their privacy. The house is open and bright and the young couple can express themselves and enjoy their many hobbies.