Diagonal House

This project begins by comparing the approaches to spatial division in the Van Wassenhove House by Juliaan Lampens and the Asama House by Atelier Bow-Wow. How did each architect divide the living space in these two projects? While the Van Wassenhove House forms an elemental concrete shelter centered on a primary vertical circulation core, the Asama House establishes a natural shelter through a primitive pitched roof structure with hanging walls that echoes the topography of Mount Asama. Rather than surrendering to pure functionalism, both architects seek to secure the autonomy of form and space, suggesting an ambiguous spatial hierarchy through the use of structural primary elements within a free plan.

Architecture achieves spatial autonomy through the subtle observation of daily behaviors. Rather than prescribing functions and dividing the floor plan, the design begins by closely observing the typology of everyday life and human routines. This study investigates how the morphological characteristics of an existing building - its rectangular pitched-roof steel structure, cold metal textured staircase, and wide translucent skylight - can be repurposed when transitioning from a car repair shop into residential architecture. The wide spanned steel structure for a column-free space, the stainless steel staircase for efficiency and circulation, and the generous ceiling height combined with translucent polycarbonate skylights that once provided even lighting for comfortable work are reborn into a newly transformed, truly cozy home.