following the ABC house by urban architecture office i stumbled upon their FKI house. although i dont find the base structure as exciting as the ABC house’s i do prefer the fact that it seems more open and has yet managed to continue the obvious flow of surfaces as they change in purpose throughout rooms. major defecit in both houses is the bathroom. while in most contemporary western houses the bathroom which i have seen the bathroom is taking on an increasingly centralised role, urban architecture office seem to include it merely as a necessity rather than a place of luxury. i dont know whether this is a cultural difference or just the firm’s take on a modern home but i feel that this could be improved.

what i greatly admire however is the woodgrain effect which they have worked into the cement. a beautiful detail which deserves it’s own special mention. to finish this house off, i think that a really bright wash of vivid colours, such as used in the participatory project by boa mistura, as well heavy dark wood furniture upholstered with battered leather (all upcycled) and a lot of natural greenery (both in the kitchen and other rooms) would be perfect.

urban architecture office: FKI house; tokyo, japan

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/20519/urban-architecture-office-fki-house.html