11 Boxes House designed by Keiji Ashizawa Design is a minimalist japanese house, ingeniously maximizing space and transforming constraints into opportunities for innovative design.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Saitama prefecture, Japan, lies an architectural gem that defies convention. The 11 Boxes House is a four-story house constructed in 2002. This innovative home, composed of eleven steel-framed boxes, is a testament to both form and function, skillfully maximizing space on a small corner site while adhering to a stringent budget.
The magic of the 11 Boxes House lies in its structural simplicity. Each box, meticulously crafted using steel angles, stacks upon one another like a refined game of building blocks. The boxes not only form the backbone of the structure but also act as external wall framing, eschewing the need for additional support. Painstaking attention was given to the dimensions of each box, ensuring seamless transportation to the site. The diverse widths of 2.2 m, 1.75 m, and 2.55 m were thoughtfully chosen to reflect the functionality of the spaces they encapsulate. Once on-site, the boxes are interconnected with high-tension bolts, a testament to the precision of Keiji Ashizawa Design.
The circulation stair, an often-overlooked element in residential design, is artfully integrated into the 11 Boxes House. While the central frames deliver the primary structural support, the stairway was deliberately positioned to serve as an earthquake-proofing component. This strategic placement not only bolsters the building's overall stability but also streamlines the house's floor plan, showcasing the impeccable attention to detail that defines this project.
The 11 Boxes House embodying the marriage of simplicity and sophistication. It is a powerful reminder that limitations can be transformed into opportunities for innovation, and that beauty can be found in even the most modest of forms.
