jun igarashi tops japanese residence with an oversized hat roof

constructed with a limited budget and site-specific building regulations, ‘hat H’ is a detached house designed by jun igarashi architects.

located in the suburb of engaru in northeast hokkaido, the timber dwelling is comprised across two-storeys. the cost constraints have naturally influenced the unusual character of the building; leaving the timber structural elements exposed. the architects decided to employ straightforward techniques of construction and for the property to be finished with a large hat-like roof.

set two meters above the ground, the floor of the upper level extends to the outside to form a cantilevered porch of 1.8 meters. this floorplate extension is mirrored and exaggerated above to form the roof canopy featuring exposed timber beams.

in hokkaido, there are regulations for buildings to comply with having foundations with a depth of 0.9 meters. utilizing this submerged space led to the creation of the concrete basement area which hosts the bedroom, study and simultaneously expresses a feeling of being protected. the upper level accommodates the kitchen, dining, lounge and windows on all four sides capture the surrounding green veranda to invite light and instill the illusion of a bigger footprint.

 

the exaggerated eaves of the roof forms the distinct element of the building

 

a porch area wraps around the upper floor of the dwelling

 

the kitchen, dining and lounge is planned to open and look out towards the green surroundings

 

the architects were giving a small budget to work with

 

downstairs, the basement accommodates the bedroom, bathroom and children’s room