11 Boxes | Keiji Ashizawa Design

11 Boxes make up this 4-storey house in Saitama prefecture, Japan. 11 boxes of simple construction formed using steel angles and placed upon one another like childrens’ building blocks. The design of the 11 Boxes House arose from a need to maximize space on a small corner site while working to a tight project budget. The boxes form the main structure of the building, while also acting as the external wall framing, the floor joists and roof structure – external wall panels are attached without the need for additional structure. From the outset, careful consideration was given to their size ensuring efficient transportation to site. They measure 2.3m high, 4.9m long, with three varied widths 2.2m, 1.75m and 2.55m – each width derived by the function of the space contained within. On-site the boxes are joined with high-tension bolts. Although the central frames provide the main structural strength for the building, the circulation stair was intentionally positioned to operate as an earthquake-proofing element, as well as to rationalise the plan of the house. Project Team: Keiji Ashizawa Photography: Daici Ano