Shigeru Ban Architects: Crescent House

'crescent house' by shigeru ban architects, south hakone, shizuoka, japan
image © hiroyuki hirai
all images courtesy of shigeru ban architects

Within an area of villas in south hakone of shizuoka, japan, the 'crescent house' by japanese practice shigeru ban architects is named after its arcing C-shaped plan. lifted on pilotis, the first floor living spaces are entered through a glass-enclosed staircase at ground level which rises into the underside of the structure. a deep curved cross-section forming the floor, wall and ceiling planes is sealed with sliding glass doors, accentuating the northern vistas as the primary attention of dwellers. the configuration frames views to mt. fuji in the distance while blocking away the presence of neighboring residences to the east, west or south.
Two bedrooms placed at opposing ends are separated from the combined living, dining and kitchen with partitions to create volumes 
for the utility functions. the depth of the dwelling is at its greatest in the living room, supporting the cantilevered roof's longest span
with a fireplace and chimney instead of a column.


view of residence through the trees
image © hiroyuki hirai


curved exterior enclosure
image © hiroyuki hirai


view of residence from the front yard
image © hiroyuki hirai


entry stair
image © hiroyuki hirai


living area with entry stair beyond
image © hiroyuki hirai


dining room + kitchen
image © hiroyuki hirai


at night
image © hiroyuki hirai


site plan


floor plan / level 1


section


exploded axonometric

project info:

project title: crescent house
location: shizuoka, japan　     
program: private house                                                            
structural system: steel frame                                                    
major materials: cypress flooring, galvanized metal sheet, aluminum window, wooden sliding window, glass mosaic tile, granite, marble                                                      
site area: 1,152.74 m2            
building area: 246.68 m2            
total floor area: 184.24 m2     
design year(s): from feb 2006 to oct 2007
construction year(s): from nov 2007 to oct 2008
architect(s) or architectural firm(s): shigeru ban architects　　　　　　　　　　 
principal(s) in charge: shigeru ban
project team: shigeru ban, nobutaka hiraga, chihiro kotaka, grant suzuki
structural engineer(s): hoshino architect&engineer- shuichi hoshino, maya matsuura(former staff)
mechanical engineer(s): studio lamp- tomohisa goto
kitchen: kreis&co.
fireplace: danroya
cyress bathtub: hinokisouken
roll blinds: nikkensobi co.
general contractor: kabaya construction- tomokuni shimegi, yutaka takahashi