Kunio Maekawa Residence

Overview

The Kunio Maekawa Residence is a house designed by Kunio Maekawa, a leading architect of modern Japanese architecture, as his own home. It was completed in 1942 in Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku. Built during the harsh conditions of wartime, it faced numerous challenges, including material procurement and construction restrictions. However, Maekawa successfully expressed his architectural philosophy within these limitations. This building is characterized by its simple yet refined design and effective use of wood in its spatial composition. At the time, materials such as reinforced concrete were in short supply, making wood the primary building material. Maekawa achieved a bright and open space through a structure and design that leveraged the properties of wood. Furthermore, the large opening from the entrance to the living room and the high ceiling allow ample sunlight to flood the space. This represents the open space that Maekawa aimed for amidst the oppressive atmosphere of wartime. The Kunio Maekawa Residence is a valuable building where one can learn about the history of modern Japanese architecture. Its refined design, which remains relevant even today despite being built under difficult wartime conditions, showcases the architect's talent. The architectural style, a fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and modernism, reveals the depth of Japanese architectural culture.