Wedge House
Residence for Masato Ikuta
This design tackles a challenging site: narrow, steep, and with strict building limits. To maximize space within a 40% coverage rule, a three story mix of wood and concrete was implemented. The innovative wedge shape places living areas on the view rich second floor, with diminishing lower levels to ease retaining wall pressure. This design balances regulations, space, and scenic integration.
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Wedge House by Kiyoshi Sugimoto
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Residence by Kiyoshi Sugimoto
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Kiyoshi Sugimoto Wedge House
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Unique Properties
The site has a nice view, but it is narrow and has a steep slope, and due to area regulations, the building coverage ratio is a strict 40%. In order to meet the required area to comply with strict regulations, we adopted a three-story mixed structure with two floors above ground made of wood and one floor below ground made of reinforced concrete. The building has a wedge-shaped shape, with the second floor, which has the best view, as the living space and the largest area, and the area decreases as you go to the lower floors to avoid applying force to the retaining wall.
Tags
Slopingland structure protruding structure wedge Basement mountainside
Production Technology
The east and west walls are finished with silver galvalume steel plates, which support the cantilevered floor that protrudes from the basement, and at the same time serve to frame the view to the south. The basement is a bedroom with a sense of security that feels like it's nestled on a slope. The first floor has a water area and a study with a view of the greenery of the park behind the deep eaves. From the sky terrace of the LDK on the 2nd floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka plains. This is a house where you can enjoy the three different slopes of Mt. Satsuki.
Design Challenge
Stable structural design with an underground shape that does not apply force to old retaining walls on a narrow, steeply sloped site, and a protruding structure for the wooden upper building.
Project Duration
Design for the project began in September 2022 at a site in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, and was completed in June 2024.
Operation Flow
A basement with a shape that does not apply force to the old retaining wall, and a pop-out floor structure for the upper wooden building to maintain the required area.
Research
Research on stable structures with protruding shapes in wooden buildings
Inspiration
The site is located at the foot of Mt.Satsuki in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The site was narrow, and more than half of the site was on a steep slope. Additionally, the site is located on an old, tall retaining wall, so the building had to be constructed in a way that would not put stress on the retaining wall. Therefore, the building's cross-sectional shape is wedge-shaped, with the basement being the smallest and increasing as the floors rise.
Image Credits
All photos and videos Hirofumi Imanishi
Project Overview
Wedge House Residence has been a Bronze winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
Kiyoshi Sugimoto was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Wedge House Residence.
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