Small Houses

Japanese residential building has fascinated whole generations of architects. Alongside the strict implementation of design concepts, the small conceptual houses are excellent examples for the demonstration of creative experimentation in terms of spatial configuration, materials and the ability to organise even the smallest of spaces. These houses are like miniature laboratories, clearly showing not only the creativity of Japanese architects but also the treatment of 'the ephemeral' and the various layered boundaries between private and public space. The fast pace of change in Japanese cities has generated an enormous architectural treasure trove for the Western world. This treasure trove will be documented in Small Houses, a book that will also familiarise the reader with the broader aspects of Japanese culture.Small Houses is a book about Japanese residential building aimed at architects, interior designers, students and anyone interested in this exciting and dynamic scene. The book focuses on the small houses, mainly one-family houses. The selected projects are by both internationally renowned architects and by architectural practices that are little known outside Japan. An in-depth treatment will be presented for each project, which will familiarise readers with the cultural and societal context and the particular Japanese way of treating certain architectural elements. The presentation of details that are irrelevant outside of Asia is avoided. The book focuses on existing residential buildings that are represented by images and other architectural graphics such as layouts and sections.

A Preface / by Claudia Hildner