2700 House by IGArchitects: Architectural efficiency in a small space

Located in Saitama, Japan, the "2700 House", a masterpiece of modern architecture by IGArchitects, impressively demonstrates how creative design can elegantly overcome spatial limitations. Situated on a narrow, long plot of land that emerged from a road extension, this house measures just 2.9 meters in width and extends to 16 meters in depth. This unusual floor plan opens up a new perspective on the interplay of interior and exterior space.

The structure of the house, supported by eight pillars, rises above the plot like a concrete box. The first floor offers flexible usage options, while the upper floor serves as a private retreat. The open design on the south, north and west sides allows natural light to stream into the interior from various directions. Windows on all four sides of the building maximize this effect and ensure a constant connection to the outside world.

Upon entering the house, a cave-like ambience opens up at first - high walls and massive pillars dominate the space. But the further inside you go, the closer the windows get and the more tangible the outside world becomes. This ingenious arrangement of floors and windows allows for versatile control of the relationship between indoor and outdoor space, giving the living area a sense of freedom and openness. In contrast, the windows and ceiling heights on the upper floor are deliberately limited to create a cozy atmosphere. The house thus creates a harmony between these two different spaces.

In this house with a front width of just 2700mm, the movement and living spaces merge seamlessly. The skillful combination of different pieces of furniture and varying floor levels creates an exciting sense of space: one area near the kitchen can serve as a dining area, another as a hallway and yet another as a living area. There is no clear separation between the rooms, instead they interact with each other and extend the experience into the outdoor area.

Despite its minimalist front and solid concrete structure, the building creates a gentle atmosphere inside that is constantly changed by weather, temperature and natural light. The simple geometric form of the building, paired with a heavy-looking, floating massif, creates a simultaneously calm and restless appearance. The gaps in the building, like parts of the concrete box breaking through, create a strong appearance that protects life from external influences and allows for rich expressions within the interior by flexibly absorbing external elements.

Although built in a small, urban plot, clever adjustments of levels and the relationship to the exterior create a sense of open space that transcends the actual size of the house. "2700 House" thus embodies the possibilities and hopes of modern architecture in a compact space.

Photos: © Ooki Jingu