House of Terraces
This house is situated on one of the stepped plots in a residential district built on a river terrace. The ground of the respective stepped plots continues into the surrounding areas while undulating in various ways; such conditions provide unique perspective effects which unexpectedly allow one to see houses in the far distance while concealing views of houses in the close proximity. The house is divided into three stepped volumes of different heights as if tracing the distinct undulations of the townscape. The second floor, divided into three steps, is located at the midpoint of the height of each volume. The interior of the house reflects dynamic undulations of the surrounding townscape where steps articulate spaces and generate a unique sense of distance while loosely connecting spaces at the same time. The staggered configuration of the section is also reflected on the floor plans. The subtle manipulation brings out rich complexity inside and outside the house. The section and the floor plans, which are almost indistinguishable at a glance, reveal the simplicity and complexity of the house at the same time.