Located in the Itabashi-Ku district of Tokyo, Japan, the masterpiece created by Shigaru Ban has a total area of 179 meters2. The house is built on stilts, whereas the main living zone is located on the second and third floors. The site area is only 110 meters2, which is why the architect was forced to devise an ingenious decision of going upwards. Besides the multistory house managed to easily fit into the surroundings. The main aim of this paper is to analyze whether the building corresponds to the New Zealand building code.
Considering Clause B1 on structure, the Shigeru Ban house has two primary walls on the Northern and Western side. Whereas the Southern and Eastern sides are put up on stilts. This is done so as to facilitate a parking zone underneath the house, as well as to create an effect of a balcony. Considering the structure, the age of the building (it was built in 1995) the structure corresponds to the B1 clause as the structure easily withstands the combination of loads mounted up on top. As already mentioned the house is raised on stilts. However, these stilts play an additional role in providing the chance for the large windows on the south side not to be obstructed by buildings and structures standing nearby. In this case the house is exposed to the winter sun and fresh air.
Clause D1 dwells upon access routes. The house is both accessible from the Eastern and Southern direction making it in full compliance with the standards of the New Zealand building code.
Clause E1. Considering that the house was designed to be half open, one might consider the external moisture to somehow influence the building itself. This house is peculiar due to the fact that it has a two-story canvas curtain on the East and South side protecting it from the outside weather conditions. Besides there are a series of sliding doors to protect the owners from unexpected weather changes and unwanted sounds penetrating their abode. The climate is natural allowing for people to have better air flow and circulation, at the same time protecting them from illnesses and various diseases.
Clauses F4, F6 and F8 all deal with safety. Considering that the house is raised and has is almost fully open, there are handling bars al around to facilitate those living within to be a little safer. When the curtain is drawn, the canvas plays the role of the wall, thus there is no danger for the people to fall out. The house reminds the viewer of an open balcony with a rather high positioning of the handlebars. The escape routes are easily accessible and visible. However, it is unknown whether the house does have any safety signs. Considering that this is a residence house, it is doubtful these signs are present at all. This house des comply to clauses F4 an F6, however, it is highly unlikely that it complies with clause F8.
Another clause to consider is the clause on services and facilities. G1, G3, G4, G5, G7 and G12 all deal with a certain feature. Personal hygiene, food preparation and prevention of contamination, ventilation, interior environment, natural light, and water supply are all important parameters. Moreover, the curtain house being residential does comply with all the demands. The high-tech modern open curtain wall house is an example of clear ingenuity of Shigeru who has developed a perfect house for someone in Japan.
The last clause to check the compliance is clause H – energy efficiency. The whole house is energy efficient and sustainable. In order for the building to be safe and comfortable, as well as sustainable, no mechanical cooling must be used. Instead the house has implemented natural cooling systems that decrease the cost of maintenance as well as the carbon footprint. This house is a good example of an ecological solution in one of the most polluted cities in the world. Besides, the climate in Tokyo is subtropical. This means that it is hot in summer, and dry and humid in the winter. In any season the curtain play the role of a sunlight filter and heat protection. Besides the natural ventilation and shading of the window performs the same role. The special glass when opened allows natural ventilation of large area within the building. The tall windows are protected by the overhanging roof, which is slanted from south to north. It also protects the balcony patio area.
The glass can be opened to allow natural ventilation in to the large, open space (see second and third floor plans below) which dries the air indoors. Moreover, like traditional passive homes, the house utilizes high ceilings and tall windows that are protected by overhangs, oriented so the deepest part of the overhang is on south face of the building. Combining this with the pitched roof (slanted downwards from south to north) means, the patio area is protected from harsh rays in the summer months when the sun’s path is at a higher altitude while still allowing heat gain in the winter when the sun’s path is lower in the sky. Considering that winters are not too cold, the windowpanes and the glass doors regulate the temperature having fully insulated, thus preventing the exit of heat from the interior to the outside. There is no heat loss, making the house more sustainable.
The Shigeru Ban house is a good example of the compliance to the New Zealand Construction Code.
This house is definitely a work of art, and it is not a house one sees frequently. Its design promotes sustainability and wellbeing through it thoughtful design and construction. The open patio balcony, the curtain, the open space within all symbolize creative thinking. Here the architect literally though outside the box and created something new and dazzling. I would want to live in such a house as it perfectly fits the climatic zone we are in. The hot summers will not be humid. There will be plenty of fresh air. During the winter months, we will not be chilly, whereas in the summer, we will not be fried.
Bibliography
Battle, G. and Christopher McCarthy. “The Power of the Brief.” Sustainable Ecosystems: And the Built Environment. (Chichester: Wiley-Academy, 2001). 4-6.
Broto C., George W. and Marta Rojals. Minimalist Interiors. Barcelona, (Spain: Links International, 2008).
Buck, David N. Shigeru Ban. (Barcelona : G. Gili, 1997).
Linus Yng, Shigeru Ban Curtain Wall House. Source: Curtain Wall House, Tokyo, Japan. 2011, Digital Image. Available from: ParralelT, http://www.tokyo.parallellt.se/2011/02/curtain-wall-house.html (accessed May 06th, 2016).
McQuaid, Matilda. Shigeru Ban. (London: Phaidon, 2003).
Nicol F., Rudge J. and R.S. Kovats. Safe and warm: effect of climate change on thermal comfort and health. In Roaf S., Crighton D. and F. Nicol (eds.). Adapting buildings and cities to climate change. (London: Architectural Press, 2005). pp. 137-146
Riley, T. The Un-Private House. (New York: Museum of Modern Art, 1999).
Rinaldi, Ray M. “The New Aspen Art Museum: Big Money Meets Big Art.” The Denver Post. 2014. Web.
Tazard C. Building Regulations with Amendments. (Wellington: New Zealand, 1992).
