Tree House [Tokyo, Japan]

Tree House

Mount Fuji Architects Studio

Tokyo, Japan

The Tree House is an item of intent. From its conception, to built methodology, to practical usage – the house draws from a hierarchy of cultural tradition and natural inspiration that becomes increasingly evident in its' design and process.

Like much Japanese architecture, Tree House demonstrates the beauty and harmonious existence of wooden architecture. Incorporating structure and design with as few elements as possible, they afford us the time and the inclination to delight in the simple beauty of a constructed object.

In alignment with traditional square-plan Japanese construction, the house is separated into four quadrants. The lowest, darkest, most intimate portion of the house is designated as the sleeping space. While the high ceilinged area acts not only as dining room and light well, but also as roof access. As we transition from quadrant to designated quadrant, the house begins to intrinsically make a sort of sense to the user.

This understanding develops from the original ideas of the house. Just as a tree in a forest grows vertically, the house similarly rises from the ground of urban Tokyo. The central pillar directs all flow within the house, holds the roof, frames the walls, and in a sense fully defines the space encompassed by the house.

“the center of a “space” may reflect on a social “meaning”, while the center of a “place” would consist of the sense of “existence”.

For that is truly what this house seeks to define- existence.

From the center, all things emanate. In the case of the Tree House by Mount Fuji Architects Studio, the space surrounding the central pillar is a “place of inhabiting.” The archetypal “house” ceases to be walls-upon hallways- upon walls, and becomes a freely interactive social dialogue of “sub canopy” existence- oblivious to the busy chatter of surrounding Tokyo.