The Green Edge House, designed by the renowned architectural firm mA-style Architects, is located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. This innovative residential project is a stunning example of the firm’s commitment to blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
Green Edge House Technical Information
- Architects1-2: mA-style architects
- Location: Fujieda, Shizuoka, Japan
- Program: Residential Architecture
- Area: 73 m2 | 785 ft2
- Project Year: 2012
- Photographs: © Nacasa & Partners Inc.
As the human physical dimension, standing is 1500-1800mm and sitting is 820-990mm. […] The floating wall was set 650mm from the floor and 800mm from the ground. By doing so, we created a new domain where people’s eyes don’t cross from inside and outside. It leads to a feeling of openness. The floating wall shows an internal and external border but in the other hand, the glass transparency weakens internal and external difference.
– Atsushi & Mayumi Kawamoto
Green Edge House Images
The building site was located on a gently sloping hill and was part of a recently divided lot that was for sale. The area was surrounded by other houses and offered stunning views of both the mountains to the north and the city to the south. However, because it was a residential neighborhood, privacy considerations were necessary in the design of the building.
Initially, the plan was to create a house with a central courtyard to preserve privacy. However, this design failed to address concerns about light and air circulation and did not provide sufficient privacy from neighboring properties. In light of these issues, the design was revised to include a more nuanced approach to the central courtyard, with a vague partition that preserved the privacy of the indoor spaces while allowing ample light and airflow.
Overall, the design of this building was a careful balancing act, taking into account the needs and characteristics of the surrounding area while still delivering a stunning and functional living space. The final design is a testament to the architect’s creativity and attention to detail and serves as a model for designing in densely populated residential areas.
A floating wall was created at the outset to serve as a boundary between the house and the surrounding area. The wall was 2,435mm in height and 800mm wide and was built using Chianti bricks. This simple structure provided visual privacy and allowed for the natural flow of light and air into the house. Trees and plants were then planted along the wall to create a green edge, which served as both a natural barrier and a source of greenery.
In the center of the courtyard, the living room and bedrooms were located, each equipped with its own water supply. The design of the house was kept to a single story, allowing for equal interaction with nature.
The green edge and floating wall served to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, with clear glass used as the material for the walls to emphasize the connection. The transparency of the glass diminished the sense of separation between the inside and outside, creating a seamless and harmonious connection between the two spaces.
The “Green Edge” house was named after this unique and innovative design feature, which created a private and serene living environment and celebrated the connection between the indoors and outdoors.
The Green Edge House’s design concept is characterized by its blurred boundaries, created by the green edge and the floating wall. This lack of clear borders creates an open and airy feeling in the space, while the floating wall serves as an obstacle that provides a sense of structure and definition.
The green edge and floating wall create a space surrounded by transparency, allowing for the changing qualities of the four seasons to be experienced within the house. This creates a dynamic and rich living environment, further enhanced by the combination of physical and functional standards used in the design.
For example, the human physical dimension, such as standing at 1500-1800mm and sitting at 820-990mm, and the human working dimension, such as working at a desk at 750-850mm and at a washstand at 730-750mm, were taken into consideration. The floating wall was set at 650mm from the floor and 800mm from the ground to ensure that the interior and exterior spaces were not visually connected while still providing a sense of openness. The use of clear glass also softens the distinction between the inside and outside, creating a harmonious and unified space.
The Green Edge House is a rich and balanced space, with each design element carefully planned to create a harmonious and functional living environment. Integrating physical and functional standards allows for a unique and dynamic living experience, while the blurred boundaries and transparency between the interior and exterior spaces create a rich and ever-changing atmosphere.
Green Edge House Plans
About mA-style architects
Ma-style Architects is a leading Japanese architectural firm founded in 2006 by Atsushi and Mayumi Kawamoto. With headquarters in the heart of Tokyo, the firm has established itself as a premier provider of cutting-edge architectural design solutions. Over the years, Ma-style Architects has built a reputation for delivering innovative and thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of traditional architectural design.
Some of the most notable projects by Ma-style Architects include the ZigZag House, Ant House, and Light Walls House. These projects are widely regarded as some of the most innovative and imaginative designs in the industry and serve as a testament to the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality and sustainable solutions. The ZigZag House, for example, features a distinctive zigzag-shaped roof and an open-plan interior, while the Ant House showcases an innovative use of wood and glass to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Light Walls House is an ode to minimalism, featuring clean lines and abundant natural light to create a bright and airy living space.
In addition to their architectural design work, Ma-style Architects is also known for its installations, which often feature cutting-edge technology and interactive elements. These installations are designed to engage and inspire visitors and have been featured at numerous exhibitions and events worldwide.
Overall, Ma-style Architects have made a significant contribution to the architectural landscape of Japan and beyond. With their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and exceptional design, the firm has established itself as a leader in the industry and continues to shape the future of architecture.
- Architect in Charge: Atsushi Kawamoto, Mayumi Kawamoto
- Structural Engineer: Nakayama Kashiro
