studio velocity: montblanc house

'montblanc house' by studio velocity
all images courtesy studio velocity


okazaki-based practice studio velocity has completed 'montblanc house', a three-storey dwelling 
with a small salon in a quiet residential area of japan. enclosed by three neighbouring buildings, 
the design seeks to generate pockets of open space that maintain its privacy and views toward
the mountains despite its tight site. 



view from terrace

featuring a deep inclined roof, the house is playfully over-sized in its architectural elements, 
manipulating the scale of windows through large voids in the exterior shell. the openings - five
in all -  establish a direct connection to the outside, providing abundant natural light and air,
as well as views to the scenery. devoid of any glazing, the boundary between inside and outside
is rendered ambiguous, creating unconventional outdoor space that is partially sheltered such as
the roof terrace. 



roof top space


with the interior volume set apart from the exterior shell, private moments are created in 
the interstitial space: on the ground floor, a small garden is accommodated next to the dining room;
two outdoor terraces on the second level further integrates the living space with the exterior. 



large void in exterior shell


outdoor spaces


view from roof


private garden



view of garden from kitchen and dining


general view


site plan



floor plan / level 0


floor plan / level +1


roof plan


section 1


section 2