mA-style: Scope House

Japanese architecture studio mA-style has recently completed a single family house in Shizuoka, Japan. Immersed in the gently sloped landscape surrounding Makinohara, the dwelling is comprised of two concrete plinths , which sustain a cantilevered white horizontal volume. This hanging trapezoidal shape acts as a periscope, framing striking views of the surrounding tea plantations.

Prone to landslides, the site presented a series of limitations, among which a partial use of the site area. This caused the architects to define an uncommon shape for the building, while simultaneously seeking to design a building that could "realise the charm of this land again."

The suspended top floor frames views to the north of the site. Inside, the cantilevered volume presents an airy, open space filled with daylight. The kitchen is located in front of a panoramic window, while a spiral staircase leads to the ground floor.

Architects Atsushi Kawamoto and Mayumi Kawamoto ultimately consider the house as an example of "the richness that we can realise by tying human and nature through architecture."

mA-style: Scope House
Program: private residence
Site area: 337,15 square metres
Floor area: 94,06 square metres
Completion: August 2012
Architects: mA-style Architects
Design team: Atsushi Kawamoto, Mayumi Kawamoto