Located in Kobe, Japan, House Of Many Arches is an architecture, interior, and renovation project of a wood post and beam 35-year-old house. Started in 2018 and completed in 2020 by 24d-studio, the goal is to transform the building space into a residential section on the second floor and a design studio with a workshop on the first floor. The contemporary addition of structural arch walls is the key element of this project.
Renovation
With a desire for more comfort and openness on this project, the project challenge is to reconfigure the overall layout to create a spacious work-live space with minimal compartmentalization. This way also allows plenty of air and light throughout each space inside the house. The renovation is focused on the house interior space and the structural and seismic improvement and reinforcement of climate control performance by upgrading the doors, windows, and insulation systems.
Element
The project key element is the contemporary addition of the structural arch walls. Each arch opening is allocated throughout the house spaces and at the same time also providing a spatial fluidity across different rooms. The house wall is seen as a dividing element for the interior spaces but with the arch walls, these spaces flow onto each other and allow the rooms to expand without separation. These spaces are also adaptable to different daily functions and tasks.
Spaces
Once enter the studio, there is a meeting space that is occasionally transformed into a gallery showcasing the studio’s lighting design products. The meeting area is separated from the studio’s main workspace on one side by playful hexagonal windows while the fat pink structural arch serves as a storage niche and displays on the other side.
With a built-in desk, another pink arch operates as a more reading area and private work. Arch openings with painted intrados highlight the space different characters throughout the first floor, revealing unique relationships with some adjacent spaces without breaking the space continuity. From the back end of the studio, the residential foyer is accessible through the yellow sliding door and a separate entryway in the northern corridor.
Details
Two floors of the building are connected by a stairwell and with its rail surfaces that merge to the intrados of the second-floor arches. Throughout second-floor space, the much-needed natural light spills easily due to the structural arch walls’ insertion that subdivides residential programs without obscuring views and light. The old architectural log beams previously are hidden within dark attic space but now these beams can add unique historic character with its outlandish presence.
Colors
Vivid colors of magenta and yellow are incorporated at two exterior balconies of the house. These colors are peculiar visual effects with luminance that affects the exterior atmosphere and also enhance the interior space brightness. The exterior facade is finished with white paint while the yellow railings around the balcony and the supporting structure can add a beautiful touch of pop to the surroundings.
House of Many Arches Gallery
Photography: 24d-studio