New construction, located in the Japanese Alps on Honshu Island. This tall, 4-story
platform-framed structure houses our Lost Arts Japan office and provides workspace for
architects, staff and contractors on the upper floor while providing storage for various
building materials in the lower portion (plate height 16').
Concept: Build a dynamic, multi-use office space inexpensively, by using standard framing
materials and economical pre-manufactured roof trusses to create a simple form.
Exterior suggests classic Japanese rural outbuildings and this is, in part, achieved
through an unconventional use of inexpensive cedar planks manufactured in Japan for
use as a subflooring under tatami mats. The base of the structure is gently splayed and
the long ribbon of windows in the office space above is positioned directly between the
16" o.c. stud layout.
Upon entering the office space, visitors are greeted by a 12" x 12" x 20'
clear yellow cedar beam that forms the entry to a traditonal Japanese Irori room. |
