M4-House House

M4-House House

M4-House House is an innovative residential architectural project located in the serene countryside of Higashisonogi, Nagasaki, Japan, that exemplifies harmonious integration between modern design and natural surroundings. Completed in 2013, this two-story wooden structure encompasses 135.13 square meters of gross floor area on a 195.15-square-meter site, featuring a distinctive multi-tiered design with four different levels that create a captivating visual rhythm through the strategic use of red cedar material against black siding frames. The architectural composition prioritizes privacy and security while maintaining a strong connection to the environment, incorporating a thoughtfully designed parking area at the lowest tier and positioning the entrance at a calculated distance from the street to ensure family privacy. The living spaces, including dining areas and bedrooms, occupy the third and fourth tiers, while a central courtyard serves as a vital element bringing natural light and ventilation into the interior. The design's sophisticated approach to material selection, particularly the extensive use of red cedar colonnade elements, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the living and dining areas, while the integration of an atrium allows filtered sunlight to animate interior spaces during daylight hours. The project, which won a Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design category, demonstrates exceptional attention to environmental harmony and functional efficiency, featuring innovative elements such as indirect lighting in the stair handrails that transform the space during evening hours. The house's maximum height of 7.8 meters and its wooden structure reflect a careful consideration of scale and materiality, while its 61.80 percent building coverage ratio and 69.24 percent gross floor ratio indicate optimal land utilization.

residential architecture, sustainable design, japanese housing, wooden structure, environmental integration, contemporary dwelling

— Adam Dawson

CITATION : "Adam Dawson. 'M4-House House.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/m4-house-house?E=443577 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"