During the design process of Grow House, architecture studio Royal House Co. had two objectives: to create a home with a ‘free and open skeleton design’, and to offer its residents the choice of converting and expanding various spaces to fit their growing needs.
With this in mind, the studio integrated trusses in the construction, whose web-shaped structures allow structural extensions or partitions to be easily added. This was inspired by the Japanese gassho-style roofs (thatched-roof houses), where neighbours would help in changing the roof of the homeowners, igniting the spirit of community.
The main living spaces of Grow House are spread on the ground level, topped by a steep roof soaring up to 8 meters. “We focused on the variability of this large space and made it a pattern so that it could be used in various living spaces,” the studio explained. The double height ceiling and multiple openings allow light into the entire space, making it seem bigger than its 123 square meter (1324 square feet) footprint. A staircase leads up to the second floor, which takes up only half of the home’s length. The numerous exposed beams produce an cocooning ambiance despite its high ceiling height. Drop pendant lights line the length of the ceiling, and the chic, minimal furnishings keep one’s attention focused on the bare bones of this truly astounding Japanese home.
More Japan-based homes here.
Images © copyright holders via Royal House Co.