Craft space from restrictions
With his house in Fujiidera, Osaka-based Fujiwaramuro architects Reduce home life on a close, irregular property. The originally part of a larger property was carved from a former construction site – long and slim in shape, but still full of spatial potential. Instead of seeing restrictions, the architects took the unusual footprint and design a zigzag layout that cleverly creates deep, privacy and calm moments in the house. This characteristic form enables every family member to withdraw or connect as required, and offers a subtle choreography of movement and space.
Pictures © Katsuya Taira
A corridor connects and divides the house in Fujiidera
The heart of Fujiwaramuro Architects' House in Fujiidera is a corridor that runs like a quiet alley from front to back and anchored the house. The rooms are carefully distributed for this round to support different life modes. The first floor has entrance, garage, study, work area, kitchen, dining area and living area – each segment flanked the corridor like discrete pavilions. This organization enables the family to go through their daily routines fluently and at the same time maintain a pleasant measure of separation.
The Architect Bleach the inner rhythm of the house with subtle interactions with nature. Openings between the zigzag walls and the location border make natural lighting, wind and garden views flow into the house and break the potential monotony of the narrow property. These spaces act like tiny courtyards and, despite its compact dimensions, give the house a feeling of calm and breathing activity.
Fujiwaramuro Architects designs Haus in Fujiidera for a family of four on a narrow urban property
Fujiwaramuro architects designs for everyday life
At the upper level of the house in Fujiidera, the same corridor logic of Fujiwaramuro Architects continues – rooms are placed on both sides of the passage, the structure of the ground floor repeated. This consistent spatial rhythm enables both continuity and flexibility. Regardless of whether it is a parent who has to concentrate on work, want to play or study children or come together, the layout enables spontaneous interaction without affecting individual comfort.
The team created more than just one house – it has designed a subtle social architecture. Here, family members can easily coexist and switch between connection and loneliness. The house is both complicated and calm, intimate and yet open and reflects a deep understanding of how people live and move through space. It is an approach that transforms architectural restrictions into an opportunity for sensible design.
The house uses a zigzag layout to create depth and separation within a compact footprint
A central corridor runs from front to back, while a privacy is possible
Living rooms are arranged around the corridor to support different family routines