SEKI House Architects: SAI Architectural Design Office Area: 99 m² Year: 2019 Photographs: Norihito Yamauchi Lead Architect: Satoshi Saito Engineering: Ikesyo Corporation Landscape: KOKAJI plant office Design Team: Ippei Yasue Structural Design: Ippei Yasue City: Toyono Country: Japan
SEKI House, designed by SAI Architectural Design Office in Toyono-cho, Osaka, is a 99-square-meter home that redefines suburban living by seamlessly connecting the residential environment with the surrounding forest. Through two offset volumes separated by a central open space and unified under a large floating roof, the house invites natural elements like wind and light while promoting community interaction. Its flexible design allows it to function as a private residence, social space, or even a small commercial venue, making it a thoughtful response to evolving lifestyles and the need for multipurpose living environments.
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In the Tokiwadai residential area of Toyonocho, Osaka, developed between 1967 and 1979,
stands a home that embodies architectural renewal within an aging neighborhood.
This is Seiki House, designed by SAI Architectural Design Office,
with a total area of approximately 99 square meters. The site is bordered by a lush mountain
forest to the north, offering a rich natural backdrop. The architect responded to this
context by creating a home that not only functions as a residence but also bridges
the gap between suburban life and the surrounding environment. The core concept of Seiki House is
to create a transitional space that flows from the residential area toward the forest.
To achieve this, two volumes are placed facing each other, separated by a gap that acts like
symbolic river, visually and physically channeling wind and views from south to north.
This gap is more than just a spatial solution, it's a gesture of reconnection with nature.
A large, floating roof unifies these elements, giving the house a light,
open character while tying together indoor and outdoor zones.
Facing the street, a large sliding opening acts like a natural weir,
letting in air, light, and community interaction.
When opened, the house transforms into a semi-public space. Children can run freely inside
and out, swim in a small pool, or enjoy a barbecue on the generous terrace. The design embraces a
communal spirit, showing that a house can serve as both a private retreat and a social hub.
Flexibility is at the heart of Seiki House. The central space can host neighbors,
friends, small exhibitions, or pop-up cafes. When the large opening is closed, it becomes a cozy
and intimate living room. The interiors of the two main volumes are kept low in ceiling height
to encourage a calming atmosphere. This contrast between open and enclosed spaces creates a dynamic
living environment that adapts to different needs and moods throughout the day. The house's
structure is an honest expression of form and function. A nine-meter-span roof is supported
by ten columns, five on the east and five on the west, allowing freedom in the interior layout.
The main frame uses wood with rigid joints and hardware to withstand horizontal forces.
Three H-steel beams connect the two volumes, forming a solid structural frame without needing
tie rods. These visible elements become part of the home's identity, leaving lasting impressions
on both residents and visitors. Seiki House offers more than just a place to live.
It's a responsive living space that embraces the changing rhythms of modern life. In a world where
lifestyles are increasingly fluid, this house proves that architecture must accommodate not
only rest but also work, socialization, creativity, and reflection. By offering spaces that are open
yet calming, public yet private, Seiki House stands as a thoughtful model for future-oriented,
community-conscious living.
