Shaping
Site Analysis
The site is located high on Jumonji-yama in Kobe, overlooking the city from a quiet hilltop. The area was originally developed in the 1960s on the grounds of a former estate of the wealthy Herman family and has since been known as a prestigious residential neighborhood with a calm and spacious character. Here, a large wooden residence was planned: two stories, a building area of 195 m², and a total floor area of 234 m².
The key consideration in planning was the park adjoining the site on its west and southwest sides. The southwest edge of the park lies 4.6 meters lower than the site, providing both privacy and openness. We therefore oriented the living-dining-kitchen (LDK) here, creating a tall, double-height space open to greenery and light. This LDK became the axis of the house’s spatial composition.
In response to the conditions of the surroundings, the first and second floors shift, cross, and intertwine—forming a house that resembles threads twisting together. This is the origin of its name, Twain Haus.
The expansive double-height LDK of 51 m² connects to a washitsu library (washitsu: a tatami-matted Japanese room) set on an extended stair landing, as well as to a living-study and a lounge on the second floor. These connections enrich the sense of openness, allowing the family to spend time on different levels while remaining attuned to one another’s presence.
On the second floor, three terraces take advantage of the favorable surroundings. The Sunset Terrace offers a spacious setting for enjoying dusk as part of daily life. The Outdoor Lounge, linked to the indoor lounge, faces southwest over the city of Kobe and serves as a quiet place for night views and drinks. The Private Balcony adjoins the master bedroom, opening southward to the morning sun. Together, these outdoor spaces bring seasonal variety and everyday moments into the life of the home.
This is a residence where each family member finds comfort in their own way, while the intertwining of their lives strengthens their bond.
- Outline
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- A plan for a large two-story residence with a building area of 195 m² and a total floor area of 234 m².
- The LDK is oriented toward the adjoining park, forming the center of the plan.
- Three terraces take advantage of the surrounding environment and views.
Features
Washitsu library
This washitsu, created by extending the stair landing midway between the first-floor LDK and the second floor, serves as a vital node linking the double-height LDK with the living-study and lounge upstairs. It reduces the distance between floors and makes movement along the stairs more engaging.
Serving also as a library, it features a counter with a sunken kotatsu seating (kotatsu: a low table with a built-in heater, covered by a quilt). One can work, read, or practice calligraphy while remaining connected to the family in the LDK, or simply relax on the tatami. It readily accommodates meditation, yoga, and other activities—an adaptable place that invites shared presence while allowing individual pursuits.
Sunset terrace
Three outdoor spaces are placed on the second floor: west-facing, southwest-facing, and south-facing. The first is the Sunset Terrace, a wide space for everyday enjoyment of dusk. From here, one can take in a panoramic view stretching from the southwest to the north. With little roof coverage, the terrace opens broadly to the sky. The handrail is set back from the edge, slightly narrowing the usable depth of the terrace, but this allows the railing to be kept low and the openness to be enhanced. It is well-suited as an active space for children’s play.
Outdoor lounge
The second terrace extends from the indoor lounge and faces southwest over Kobe, looking down through the double-height void into the LDK as well as out to the trees of the garden and park. It offers a quiet setting for a small group to enjoy the night view and drinks, like a bar lounge in a hotel.
Private balcony
The third outdoor space is a south-facing balcony adjoining the master bedroom. Facing south but open to the morning light from the east, it provides an ideal spot for leisurely coffee or breakfast together on weekends. At the same time, it screens the bedroom from being overlooked from below, contributing to privacy.
Photographs
Data
Twain Haus縒り合う家
| Builder | Beams Construction Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Cucina Kobe |
| Location | Kobe City |
|---|---|
| Use | Private residence |
| Family | Couple + child + grandmother |
| Year | 2022 |
| Structure | Wooden / 2F |
|---|---|
| Site Area | 99.8 tsubo (≈330 m²) |
| Total Floor Area | 73.7 tsubo (≈244 m²) |
| Total Cost | 105 million JPY |