Shigeru Ban Architects architects led by famous Japanese kinetics architect Shigeru Ban has designed an interesting Art Deco residence called the 2-5 House. Notable for its imaginative use of space, the 2-5 House design is a befitting reminder of the unique spatial creativity of Japanese architecture. This house truly showcases modern day design. Introducing the idea of spatial optimization, the design plays into the notion of having just enough space to comfortably fit a family into a single story house. That said, the design of a typical Japanese house tends to maintain an efficiency of space that adds to the overall aesthetic of the house. The 2-5 House is no different in this regard. From the exterior, the house appears to be dynamically split into two sections like a double storey house despite its mysterious one story design.Shigeru Ban Architects 2-5 House Designs
The use of clever planning combined with extreme spatial efficiency makes two structures a part of a single story house. Through the art of architectural illusion, the 2-5 houses by Shigeru Ban Architects is able to achieve the same effect of a double storey house. The extended roof area and the articulation of floor heights brings the idea of two stories to life though it's only a one story single home. This idea of spatial efficiency is also showcased on the interior of the building. By using multiple ceiling heights, Shigeru Ban can create the illusion of a two-story house with the use of a single story. Setting this effect aside, the 2-5 House by Shigeru Ban Architects stands as an example of how a single story system can achieve maximum efficiency. This is achieved by eliminating the need of exterior steps or a staircase.2 House Plans by Shigeru Ban: A Case Study in Spatial Efficiency
One highlight of the 2-5 House design is its unique position soaring above Tokyo's Zoshigaya Cemetery. The house is situated on a small hillside site with steep slopes that offer a stunning view of the cemetery. This position of the house is guided by the idea of an “open ceiling” system that allows an unrestricted view of the planes of the cemetery below. By exploiting the visual assets of the location, the open concept design of the house creates an amazing view of the cemetery. This unique elevation of the house is also beneficial in terms of altering the perception of the house's interior. With the top floor appearing less grounded as it hovers over the cemetery, the house now appears spacious and wide. When not in use, the house interacts and blends into its surrounding scenery. With a perfect balance between efficiency and flow of space, this is a tax home that defines Smart living.Shigeru Ban 2-5 House: Hovering Over Tokyo’s Zoshigaya Cemetery
The main feature of the 2-5 House design is the spatial optimization of the house. By leveraging the resources available within the house, the design manages to achieve a wide range of functional spaces by emphasizing its different levels. This ranges from the basement, the ground floor, the attic, and also the roof. Aside from the spatial efficiency, the 2-5 House also stresses the importance of efficient lighting solutions. In this design, the house maximizes the concentration of natural light through its minimized window size.The windows also offer a birds-eye view of the cemetery, making the house feel like a part of the surrounding scenery.Shigeru Ban's 2-5 House: Tokyo's Spatial Optimization
The 2-5 House also celebrates the beauty in odd layout spaces. The house is cleverly split into two sections that features a series of eccentric rooms. This design tactic makes good use of the vertical space within the house while its separate parts blend into the natural Epigrams. The 2-5 House, while having the appearance of a double floor house, really achieves its effect through the clever use of space optimization. One of the most interesting parts of the house is its open-air hall, a U-shaped “room” that extends toward the cemetery. The idea behind this feature is to create a place for leisure without the burden of enclosing walls. By taking advantage of the scenic view of the cemetery, the 2-5 House successfully creates a living space that brings the outdoors in.Shigeru Ban's 2-5 House: Celebrating the Beauty in Odd Layout Spaces
The minimalist design of the 2-5 House is an excellent balance of functionality and aesthetics. While the front of the house features a linear form, the expanded rear of the house gives way to beautiful landscaping and Gardens. The house therefore appears relatively flat and cozy on top of the hill, blending into its environment with minimal disturbance. It is clear that this intelligent use of space serves a larger purpose. By exploring the concept of minimalism, the 2-5 House also offers living units on the interior of the building. Along with its open air hall, the house further enhances the idea of liveability without order to keep the whole house enclosed.Exploring Shigeru Ban’s 2-5 House: A Balanced Minimalist Design
The analysis of space utilization in the design of Shigeru Ban's 2-5 House is one that promotes the idea of innovation and creativity. Unlike a typical single story design, the 2-5 House design emphasizes the importance of space efficiency. Through the use of multi-height flooring and roof, the house is able to evoke the feel of a double-storey house. Another key feature of the house is the clever use of lighting. With the windows strategically placed, the house can enjoy a fuller balance of natural light and ventilation. This helps further the housing’s energy efficiency and provides residents with a quality living environment.2-5 House Design by Shigeru Ban: Analysis of Space Utilization
The 2-5 House design by Shigeru Ban’s can be seen as a representation of maximum efficiency for minimum space. By utilizing the available land for various roles, Shigeru Ban is able to promote a smaller footprint in the design of the house. From the technical perspective, Shigeru has implemented a living space that fully maximizes the use of the area available. As the house is surrounded by steep slopes, the design also includes the idea of a descending landscape. This provides a brilliant illusion of an expanded landscape if viewed from the outside. The idea of having an upward traveling space in the interior also gives a certain outward view to the passerby. Shigeru Ban's 2-5 House Design: Exploring Maximum Efficiency for Minimum Space
The idea of building homes from discarded items has been a well-known concept in the world of architecture. This philosophy is seen most clearly in the 2-5 House design by Shigeru Ban. By using this type of design, Shigeru, is able to rely on the principles of natural elements that are already available on site to sketches a unique residential design. We can say that the 2-5 House reflects the natural elements in its design. From its open air hall to its roof of level mismatch, the house looks like it has been built right out of the earth. With the house featuring different-sized windows that allow for the entry of natural light, the house stands as an example of beautiful sustainable architecture.Building Homes From Discarded Items: How Shigeru Ban's 2-5 House Draws Inspiration From Nature
The 2-5 House has a remarkable ability to make use of light in its design. This is further highlighted with the strategic placement of windows and doors that open up to the surrounding scenery, allowing the home to interact with the environment instead of shutting itself in. Through efficient design, the use of natural daylight enhances the home’s energy efficiency. On the other hand, the design of the 2-5 House also offers an exceptional experience for air circulation. Due to the property’s position, visitors are greeted with a refreshing breeze of air as it ascends the hillside. This is further enhanced with its natural environment being surrounded by steep terrains which creates a natural air funnel.The Interaction of Space, Light and Air: Exploring Shigeru Ban’s 2-5 House