House in Maihama by Yoshitaka Arita

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 
The old house had moisture and security (i.e. burglary) issues before it was replaced by this new house. There was also another problem the young couple wanted to solve when they decided to rebuild a new one on the same site – reducing the vibrations from the Metropolitan Expressway running near by. To build their dream home, the client couple hired Yoshitaka Arita, a Tokyo-based architect who had studied architecture both in Japan and the UK. The architect focused on three things – raise, solidify and lower the gravity center. To achieve these three goals, all three construction methods common in Japan were applied. Reinforced concrete and steel frame were used for the first level. The second level, which is the family’s living quarters, was built of wood frame construction.

The house is nicely proportioned and well balanced between the three materials.

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Yoshitaka Arita
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 

Photo © Shinkenchiku-sha
 
^Who: Yoshitaka Arita
^What: Single family residence (2 adults and a child)
^Where: Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture
^When: August 2007
^How: Two-story reinforced concrete/steel (1 fl.) and wood frame (2 fl.) construction
^{Site Area:} 1,827 square feet (169.73m²)
^{Construction Area:} 1,079 square feet (100.20m²)
^{Total Floor Area:} 1,726 square feet (160.32m²)
 
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