Floor and Roof of Haibara Township by SAI Architectural Design Office

Nestled in a serene mountain valley of Japan, the Floor and Roof of Haibara Township by SAI Architectural Design Office redefines residential design by blending history, nature, and contemporary living. The site is rich in cultural heritage, with ruins of Osawa Castle and other historical remnants scattered across the rural landscape. Generations of families with the same lineage continue to inhabit the village, creating a living tapestry of satoyama, a harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.

Inspired by legends of a lake that once covered the valley, the architects designed a residence as if it were raised upon an artificial ground, floating like an island amidst the historical landscape. This conceptual "lake foundation" ensures that the building responds to both the natural topography and the cultural narrative of the site.

Interior and Exterior Unity

The design integrates interior and exterior spaces through a large under-eave structure that spans a floating earthen slab. Private rooms for the couple and their children are minimal and carefully positioned on slightly elevated sections of the artificial ground. Meanwhile, communal areas such as the living room, entrance, and washroom spaces occupy the remaining volumes, each with ceiling heights optimized for comfort and spatial experience. The open-plan living room contrasts with intimate low-height spaces, emphasizing both openness and privacy.

Architectural Form and Environmental Integration

The residence features a north-south sloping roof seamlessly connected to an east-west twisting roof, echoing the geometry of neighboring houses and the surrounding mountains. Structural earthquake-resistant walls support the expansive under-eave space while allowing large openings that frame views of the verdant surroundings. Natural elements: light, wind, seasonal changes, and the sounds of flowing water, enrich the living experience, forging a deep connection between residents and the environment.

Looking decades ahead, this architectural framework is designed as a lasting context for future reconstruction or expansion. The artificial ground, interwoven with the historical landscape and waterways, ensures that new designs will honor the past while embracing modernity. This residence stands as a testament to timeless architecture, linking the legacy of satoyama with the promise of future generations.

All photographs are works of  Norihito Yamauchi