Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Takahiro Ushijima of Tokyo-based Ushijima Architects has completed his U-House in an area that was a part of Biwako (which is the largest lake in Japan) in Maibara City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
The site had changed to an independent lake, after having been buried for making rice after World War, until recently becoming a residential area.
Its history means it was always moving naturally and artificially.
The site had been attacked by flood time and again after being buried, but the memory of this is forgotten because the technology of flood control had been improved and a lot of new ubiquitous residences have been built.
However, there is a possibility that this area will be attacked by floods again because of global warming.
Or it will be covered with reeds if the population of this area continues to decrease and the Biwako’s water level is lower.
No one can anticipate the future of this site.
Ushijima thus designed this house, being conscious of two elements, which are “flood and reeds.”
The first floor is composed of an LDK, a bedroom, a bathroom, an inner terrace, and other spaces that are supported by diagonal and vertical wood.
This structure is light and melted into reeds.
The level of the floor keeps it from flooding.
In addition to this, it is kept from the strong moisture of this area.
The whole space is something like an ancient warehouse.
Project: U-House In Irie
Architects: Ushijima Architects
Lead Architect: Takahiro Ushijima
Client: Private
Photographers: Shinya Tsujita
