11 Boxes / Keiji Ashizawa Design

Architects: Keiji Ashizawa Design
Location: Saitama, Japan
Project Architect: Keiji Ashizawa
Structural Engineer: Ejiri Engneer
Project Year: 2007
Photographs: Daici Ano

In order to maximize space of the site, a simple construction method was chosen. Eleven steel frame boxes are formed using steel angles and used as the main structure, while external wall panels are attached on without the need of any additional structure.

The size of the steel boxes needed to be considered carefully since each had to fit on a truck to be transported to site. These boxes are then joined together with high tension bolts on site.

Though the central span holds the main structural strength of the building, the circulation staircase is intentionally positioned there to operate as an earthquake-proof element as well as to rationalize the plan of the house.