Counter-Balance House

COUNTER-BALANCE HOUSE

Definition of counterbalance (Merriam-Webster):
1. A weight that balances another.
2. A force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force.

The house is located in a quiet rural neighborhood, 25 km outside of central Tokyo. It is sited at the end of an old commercial shopping street with an eclectic collection of building forms, materials, and colors surrounding the site. The neighborhood is devoid of many trees, grass, and natural plants. There is no visual harmony within the urban context.

The first design goal for the project was to create a building form and palette that is counterbalanced with the disorderly urban setting and improves the natural appearance of the surrounding landscape. Simple white volumes were selected to define the perimeter of the house, with alternating roof slopes to create a symmetrically balanced form that counteracts the cluttered urban conditions. Natural wood and stone materials were carefully placed around the house, in relationship with the landscape design, to bring a natural warmth and peaceful ambiance to the neighborhood.

The second design goal was to maximize the exterior spaces and counterbalance the connectivity between inside and outside. An ‘H’ shaped floor plan was selected to extend the interior spaces around two open courtyard spaces – a summer play yard on the north side of the house and a winter sun deck with family garden on the south side. Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors were placed around the open courtyards to enhance the physical and visual connection between inside and outside. Furthermore, the abundance of doors and operable windows around the exterior spaces facilitates natural ventilation throughout the house. This interconnection between inside and outside allows the occupants to feel both connected to and protected from the exterior.

The third design goal was to create a counterbalanced interior spatial organization that prioritizes communal interconnectivity for the 5 family members while also providing separate spaces for private retreat. A large double-height living room was placed in the middle of the ‘H’ shaped floor plan, which is the central nucleus of the house. From any room in the house, the family can see back to this central living space, facilitating connectivity and communication throughout their daily lives. Private bedrooms, a playroom, home office, and other ancillary spaces flank the central living room, which can be shut off for private retreat and focused work or play.

These design concepts were inspired by God, who is the ultimate counterbalance for humanity; giving us hope, peace, and restoration for our communities.