Shogo Aratani Architect & Associates

The site slopes toward the south, with the southern third at a 70-degree angle and the northern two-thirds at a 45-degree angle; there is no flat ground at all. Since the only access road is on the north side, the design is planned within the 45-degree slope.
To minimize excavation of the bedrock, the floor levels were established by positioning each volume to “hook” onto the slope. As a result, the house features six distinct floor levels. By connecting these floors of varying heights with small steps and staircases, the unique characteristics of the site are incorporated into the living spaces, creating a richly varied, labyrinthine environment.
While the excellent views are a major attraction of this site, we also explored various possibilities for how to engage with them. By extending terraces from the openings designed to frame the views or creating seating areas, we have given each space its own character and attempted diverse approaches to the surrounding environment.