Where Earth Meets Art: Crafting Life in Kamakura's Landscape
A Harmonious Dwelling Inspired by Nature and Craft in Kamakura
Perched above a scenic valley in Kamakura, Japan, the Haniyasu House by AATISMO stands as a testament to architecture's ability to respond to its surroundings. This dwelling is intimately connected to the area's geological and cultural essence, characterized by ancient cave tombs carved into earthen cliffs. The design strategy adopted by AATISMO involves a low-lying, grounded profile that respectfully follows the natural contours of the land, maintaining a profound connection with the earth and stone, thereby blending into its unique context rather than dominating it.
An Integrated Space for Art and Life
Conceived by the architects for themselves and their parents, both accomplished ceramic artists, this renovated home uniquely supports two generations whose existence revolves around clay. The design prioritizes the integration of domestic life with artistic production. Workspaces, living areas, and outdoor zones are intricately linked, allowing activities like pottery firing, glazing, cooking, and relaxation to occur within an expansive, open layout, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among the residents.
Transforming a Vintage Structure into a Modern Sanctuary
The journey of the Haniyasu House began with a modest wooden structure erected in 1967. AATISMO's renovation involved a complete stripping of interior walls and ceilings, transforming the fragmented space into a unified volume. This open core now directly engages with the surrounding garden and the vast sky. Within this expanded central area, new rooms have been strategically placed at each of the four corners. These additions, with their compact and substantial forms, evoke the image of earthen masses emerging from the ground, shaping the overall composition to resemble a miniature village gathered around a communal hub.
The Heart of the Home: A Communal Gathering Place
This central area functions as a vibrant plaza for communal activities, where family meals, conversations, and daily chores unfold. Movement flows effortlessly across the floor, offering expansive views from one corner to another. Throughout the day, the interplay of light and shadow highlights the intricate textures of plaster, soil, and timber, creating a calm and tactile atmosphere. The open layout ensures that the sounds of daily life and creative work gently permeate the entire space, fostering a lively yet serene environment.
Private Havens for Creativity and Rest
Each of the four organically shaped corner additions within the Haniyasu House by AATISMO serves as a private, intimate room, reminiscent of a cave, dedicated to sleeping and working. For instance, the father's studio, located in the northwest, is distinguished by its deep brown hues, derived from soil sourced directly from the site. This zone is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the entire ceramic creation process, with a kiln and an outdoor glazing area situated conveniently nearby, ensuring that tools, clay, and finished pieces are always within easy reach. The mother's room, on the other hand, presents a lighter aesthetic, featuring finishes of lime mixed with bisque-fired clay, complete with built-in cabinetry and discreet underfloor storage. The architects' own space, the largest of these volumes, boasts lowered earthen floors and cantilevered desks, perfectly suited for showcasing their furniture and lighting designs. Additionally, a versatile guest room doubles as a tranquil tea room, appointed with tatami mats, a traditional tokonoma alcove, walls rich in clay infused with bamboo charcoal, and bathed in soft, natural daylight from above.
Innovative Material Use and Sustainable Craftsmanship
The construction process of the Haniyasu House was deeply informed by a spirit of material experimentation. Soil extracted directly from the site, alongside discarded clay from the pottery studio, underwent a meticulous process of crushing, firing, glazing, and repeated testing. The exterior walls are layered with this site-specific soil and bisque-fired clay, combined with plaster that incorporates iron and copper powders. This unique composition allows for a gradual alteration in color through oxidation, causing the surfaces to deepen and shift with the changing weather and passage of time. Furthermore, these four corner volumes are not merely aesthetic elements; they also function as crucial seismic reinforcements. By concentrating shear walls within new foundations, the original columns supporting the tiled roof are preserved, blending structural integrity with artistic expression.