journal vol.012 the house through time
journal vol.012 the house through time
This tranquil and thoughtfully designed space, with its bold layout, is a place where architecture speaks beyond its form. The house designed by the pioneering modernist architect Kunio Maekawa creates a story that goes beyond just the building itself.
Born in the midst of wartime challenges, this house has changed with the times yet its essence remains unchanged, continuing to captivate people. The dynamic flow of its spaces and the delicate design details that reside in its elements create a subtle harmony.
Kunio Maekawa, who trained under the legendary modernist architect Le Corbusier in Paris and later worked with Antonin Raymond, played a significant role in shaping Japan's modern architecture with works like the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
Originally designed as Maekawa’s private residence, this building took on a dual role as both home and office after the destruction of his Ginza office in 1945. Drafting tables were placed in the living room and on the second floor, while the study served as a space for client meetings and staff breaks.
In 1954, when Maekawa's office moved to Yotsuya, the house returned to being a private residence. In 1956, earthquake-resistant reinforcements were made, along with an expansion of the kitchen area. The flooring was updated to P-tiles, adapting the house to Maekawa’s evolving lifestyle. This building served not only as a place to live but also as a space to explore new possibilities for architecture.
After being dismantled in 1973, the components were stored at a villa in Karuizawa, later restored and reassembled at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, where it once again stands as a testament to Maekawa’s creative spirit and architectural philosophy.
The charm of this house is found in its spatial dynamism. The floor plan places the living room at the center, with the bedrooms and study positioned on either side. Despite its simplicity, the use of materials such as vertical wood paneling, shoji screens, and glass lattice windows evokes a sense of traditional Japanese aesthetics, while unique details like the 90-degree rotating door pocket bring in a modern touch.
The large central roof creates variations in height, turning the living room into an open, airy space. With bedrooms placed at either end, the layout introduces rhythm and depth to the entire space. The wooden staircase leads to a loft-like second floor, reinforcing the sense of continuity between levels.
One of the highlights of this house is its attention to detail. The exposed floor beams under the stairs are deliberately left visible, giving the space a refined and sophisticated feel without overwhelming the room. The display shelves on the second floor add a visual richness, blending functionality with aesthetics.
Other details, like the lattice design above the kitchen boiler, the door handles, and the stone wall made from Oya stone with a carefully designed opening, further add to the unique charm of the house. Within a relatively small space, the house allows for diverse spatial experiences, clearly demonstrating Maekawa's commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture.
Maekawa’s design reflects a seamless fusion of functionality, beauty, and harmony with nature. Using traditional wooden construction techniques while reimagining the space with a modern sensibility, the house offers a timeless experience for those who visit. The large windows in the living room, which blend the interior with the garden, create a poetic interplay of light and shadow, embodying the coexistence of nature and humanity.
By visiting this space, you can experience the architectural story that Kunio Maekawa envisioned.
Kunio Maekawa Residence at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum:
3-7-1 Sakuracho, Koganei City, Tokyo 184-0005 (Located within Koganei Park)
STAFF
photo : Sodai Yokoyama
hair & make-up : Yoko Hirakawa（mod’s hair）
model : Hiromi Ando
edit & text : Masamichi Hayashi（SARUTA9）, Misaki Imamura
production management：Tryout