A Japanese couple from Tan Yamanouchi Architects has created their very personal distinctive residence that explores space-saving architectural design, mixed with cat-friendly options. Dubbed Cat Tree House, the home and studio is positioned within the historic metropolis of Kamakura, Japan, and was particularly constructed for its homeowners; the architects, a pair of their thirties with two cats.
The total type of the home consists of two L-shaped volumes with slanted tin roofs of opposing angles. By interlocking the 2 volumes, the architects have created a singular form that blends harmoniously with the mountainous panorama of Kamakura.
With their cats in thoughts, the architects conceived your entire home as one large cat tree. The central function of the design is a spiral staircase that wraps round an atrium with a skylight, permitting pure mild to filter by way of and illuminate every step all through the day. The staircase is designed with 23 completely different ground ranges, impressed by the physique measurements of the cats. This is designed to create a collection of temperature layers that the cats can navigate, offering them with a variety of choices to go well with their preferences all through the day.
Separate from the cat-specific design parts, the home boasts intelligent space-saving design parts that make the most of each inch of the home. The format of the home is split into completely different zones, every serving a selected objective. Bedrooms, a visitor room, a studio, a kitchen, a eating room, and a toilet are strategically positioned alongside the central spiral staircase. The handrails within the atrium are designed with inspiration from the mountain views of Kamakura and are meticulously crafted by expert iron-workers.
The spiral staircase not solely serves as a purposeful aspect but additionally doubles as a viewing platform. It permits the occupants to have panoramic views of the home from any location, with out obstructing their line of imaginative and prescient. The beneficiant dimensions of the steps present hiding spots for the cats, permitting them to take care of a way of distance from people or just take pleasure in a peaceable nap.
The design of the staircase attracts inspiration from the Tamasudare, a standard Japanese avenue efficiency display screen manufactured from loosely woven bamboo sticks. Its uncovered construction provides a singular visible accent to the open ceiling area. Furthermore, the inclusion of a number of home windows dotted around the home and central skylights, permits pure mild to flood the central stairwell and thus your entire home. This design function additionally promotes a passive air circulate all through the home.
The home’s ground degree is ready one meter (3.3 ft) above the bottom, making a buffer area that permits for temperature and humidity management. This buffer space additionally homes the ground heating system, with scorching water pipes laid beneath the ground.
In addition to the inside design, the architects paid cautious consideration to the outside and landscaping of the Cat Tree House. The backyard is split into two zones: the Approach Zone, which results in the doorway and faces the entrance street, and the Terrace Zone, which incorporates wood deck steps and a kitchen backyard. In the Approach Zone, roughly 80 species of rigorously chosen vegetation are organized to create a harmonious coloration palette that enhances the pure environment. The Terrace Zone options roughly 20 species of edible herbs, and likewise creates a versatile outside area the place the occupants can loosen up.
The Cat Tree House isn’t just a private mission for the architects; it’s also a response to a bigger social pattern in Japan. With a considerably greater variety of pet cats than new child infants, and an getting older inhabitants that’s more and more interested by animal remedy, there’s a rising want to think about the well-being of pets in architectural design. By embracing the views of each people and cats, the architects have proposed an progressive method that seeks to create dwelling areas that cater to the wants and preferences of all inhabitants.
Source: Tan Yamanouchi Architects
