Plastic House

Abstract

The Plastic House, designed for a photographer and his mother, a writer, is located in a densely built residential area. Its simple form was largely determined by statutory requirements and building lines. The two-story structure includes a photo studio in the basement and an openair studio on the flat roof, which affords a view over the city. This space is also used for parties as well as for tea ceremonies, which are held in the rear of the roof terrace for friends of the client. Various areas of the house are open to the public–the mother’s room in the basement is a small antique museum, and there is a constant flow of people in and out of the photo studio. The open outdoor space on the ground floor behind the building is used as a tearoom. The deck of this space, made of plastic bars, is situated over a large light-well that provides daylight to the basement.