Kichijoji C-House Chapter 1 - New House Plans

As I mentioned in a previous post, it's hard to let go of one's vision even if one must adjust to the new terrain. But it was a bit of shock when I saw the configuration below. To be fair, it was just a very very rough plan and was made mostly to fill out to 150 square meters which is the total usable space which we need to present on the loan application form.

There were so many things wrong with it:

• The entrance is very narrow on West side and unwelcoming.
• Extra greenery is on the North side and too narrow to be considered a "space".
• Too many corners down the corridors make you feel like in a rat tunnel.
• 2 Floor utility room has an adjacent balcony which does not get much sun for hanging the laundry.
  
• The dining room is too isolated.
• Can't see what's going on in the study from the kitchen. Are the kids doing homework or are they surfing Youtube?

So this is what happens when you don't meet your architect....!!

Now that you've seen the BEFORE, now see what happens when you have a 2-hour brainstorming session.

Let's start with the first floor:


As you can see the layout has changed dramatically.

• We moved the entrance on the South side so it is a welcoming approach.
  Sakamoto our architect and principal of ISTA (Institute of Space,Technology, and Architecture) and winner of Good Design Award in 2009 provided some 3D sketches throughout the across the plans for us to get a real feel for some of the rooms.
  

Below is an example of the entrance with storage and floor window, as well as a front facing sketch of the Bathroom.

• Girls room is more North-South with the North for sleeping and South for playing and studying (yeah right!).
• Entrance hallways is wider and will act as an Art gallery.
• Bathtub is now on the NorthEast corner and will have a small lit garden as a view.
• Private garden will be adjacent to Master Bedroom and Public garden will be on the other side of the Entrance.
• Linen Closet built using corner of Ishan's room.
• Stair will be skeleton staircase which allows for more light and under will be a display space for Ikebana with window.

For the 2nd floor, it's a return to my original vision but with more space to play with.

• We've added a family room on the NorthWest side and it will have a skylight.
  
• The Dining room will also have a skylight.
• Both Family Room and Study can be see from the kitchen.
• Very Long Diagonal views from Family room to outside Deck, as well from Study to Kitchen. Although the space is open, it will be cozy and intimate and encourage family interactions yet allow for some private space.

• Here's a view from the family room down to the study. We will have open beams going down the room to visually create a nuanced sense of demarcation. The loft wall above the kitchen will have a small overhang to place art work and decorations. There will also be a pillar on the kitchen counter to provide support for the loft but will also act as a decorative detail.

• Finally below is the study with built-in bookshelves and built-in couch that is the same size as a single bed to accommodate for an overnight guest. We will place a double (american-type) futon couch on the corner for when the grandparents visit.
  

In my opinion this is a good start, yet we have a long way to go.
Let me know what you think!