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Metal mesh shrouds Fumihiko Sano'sMoyaMoya house

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30 May 2014 | 3 comments

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Layers of fine stainless steel mesh envelop this house in Tokyo by local architect Fumihiko Sano, making it look like it is wrapped in gauzy fabric (+slideshow).

Fumihiko Sano of architecture studio Phenomenon designed the MoyaMoya house in Tokyo's Higashikurume suburb. Constructed around a largedouble­height studio, it was built for a female client who needed space for her hobby of dyeing kimonos.

The architect added a metal framework around three sides of the building, then covered it in metal mesh to restrict views of the interior fromsurrounding residences.

Two layers of the finely perforated and flexible material create a moire effect that gives the illusion of movement. This is enhanced when the meshbillows in the wind, causing reflections to ripple across the surface.

Changing light conditions throughout the day and the seasons also alter the appearance of the mesh box.

Openings in the framework are positioned in front of entrances and some windows, including a full­height glazed door on the first floor that leads onto abalcony suspended between the main wall and the external structure.

An entrance faces a small piece of land designated for parking. This leads into the double­height central room, which features the large sink and storagespace required for the dyeing process.

Windows at different heights fill this area with natural light and sliding doors can be pulled back to connect it with the kitchen and dining section of thehouse, and a small study.

Closets are built into the wall next to the entrance, while a toilet and bathroom can be accessed from the studio. Sliding doors in the study lead to theowner's bedroom.

A staircase that ascends to the upper storey features simple white banisters and open treads that minimise its presence in the space.

The large landing is intended as a living area and is flanked by a traditional tatami space and a bedroom.

A small bathroom and spare bedrooms are located on the first floor, and are expected to accommodate foreign students when the owner's children haveleft home.

Photography is by Daisuke Shimokawa/Nacasa & Partners.

Here's a project description from Fumihiko Sano:

MoyaMoya

This is the residence in the commuter town in the suburb of Tokyo.

We constructed the studio where our client could study and dye kimonos, her chief hobby, as the centre of the house; also, we tried to provide the placeto communicate and interact, accepting foreign students after her kids leave the home.

The shape of the building plot is a huge square (9100*9100), and it slopes and spreads north and south. Because of the slating ground, a private spacewas settled in the northern part commanding a fine view. An open ceiling studio is connected to a kitchen, so that allows the client to have a big party asshe desires.

Considering when she ages in the future, her bedroom, a study room, and other infrastructures are placed on the first floor. Other single rooms, a livingroom, and a Japanese style room are on the second floor; moreover, you can enjoy a fine prospect with Mt. Fuji from the living room.

When we look at this project from a different perspective, the most significant characteristic of this construction is the stainless steel fence whichsurrounds the building. By creating the space which makes the border between the inside and the outside of the building vague, the inside thereof isdifficult to see from the outside. In terms of security, significant effects can be also expected.

A moire pattern is generated since the stainless steel is doubled, and it makes people feel as if they are in the inside even if they are in the outside.

Being swayed by the wind, the stainless steel fence shines and causes a great variety of the moire patterns. The angle and strength of the light arecertainly changed by time – morning, afternoon, evening, and night. The change of the light creates not only gripping moire patterns, but also givesdifferent and diverse impressions to the house. This is the place where people can closely enjoy the transitions of time, seasons, and climates through thehouse.

Location: Higashikurume, Tokyo, Japan

Ground floor plan ­ click for larger image

First floor plan ­ click for larger image

Section one ­ click for larger image

Section two ­ click for larger image

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30 May 2014 | 3 commentsMore:

ArchitectureResidentialSlideshowsFumihiko SanoHousesJapanJapanese housesTokyo

Posted on Friday, May 30th, 2014 at 1:35 pm by Alyn Griffiths. See our copyright policy. Before commenting, please read our comments policy.

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• Reply •

WhyBotherCommeting • 9 months agoDo we know if wireless or cellular devices function within the space? Could be a clever isolation for someone with a hobby or a horrible lackof foresight from the architect!

• Reply •

Alsss • 9 months ago> WhyBotherCommeting

Wrapping buildings in metal mesh and skin isn't new. :)

• Reply •

alex • 9 months agoCome on Dezeen: "metal mesh"? I think most Dezeen readers understand what stainless steel is.

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