House in Buzen

Architects: Suppose design office

Location: Buzen, Fukuoka, Japan

Year built: 2009

When they are young, places like a narrow path between houses, the edge of a garden, the back of a shed, under the floor, or an open lot are the preferred playgrounds of children. Rather than a park or garden that was built to be played in, we wanted to make a house with a courtyard that would become a playground naturally. Rather than a collection of rooms, we think of this house as a collection of constructions, and we produced a design that seems to be made out of various different structures. Paths covered by a glass roof weave between the disconnected structures to create an interior space that feels exterior, a private space that feels public, a hall that feels like an avenue. In that space the children can run around, you can enjoy a breeze while you eat, read under the sun, and fall asleep watching the stars.

There is a charm beyond imagination there, beyond normal home life. Just like children who use space outside to its full potential, we wanted to make equal the relationship between inside- and out by using the courtyard as a part of everyday life and bringing inside activities outside.