kyoto-based architecture practice alphaville (kentaro takeguchi, asako yamamoto) has sent us images of ‘house folded’, a three-storey residence for a couple in osaka, japan. exploring methods of creating distinct and individual rooms that break away from a monotonous spatial experience, the design pleats the dividing walls to form optimal and dynamic volumes of space.
standing on a slim site measuring 80 m2, the concrete structure translates its angular character to its facade, featuring asymmetrical slices in its facade. both the east and west facade is defined by a triangular slit that introduces light into the interior while providing an outdoor-space-like effect through a system of floor-to-ceiling glazing. a sheltered parking space for a single car is also created by excising an irregular opening from the street.
the delineation of space utilizes the decomposition techniques of a voronoi diagram, equally dividing the shortest distance between points to create optimal spatial segments. the process, which required the full use of a 3D model, started from a parallelogram with a center wall that runs diagonally to define two spaces. this partition was then pivoted to run parallel to the site as it continued to the third level. the roof was pulled up to form a slant and a private outdoor terrace. structurally rational and dynamic, the result is a collection of flowing living spaces that seemingly shift and change from every vantage point.